j  nk  s 

of 

Gold 


Joseph  Wore 


%infcs  of  (Solb 


BY 
JOSEPH  WARE,  LL.D.,  M.A. 


BOSTON 

SHERMAN,  FRENCH  &  COMPANY 
1914 


COPYRIGHT,  1914 
SHERMAN,  FRENCH  &  COMPANY 


LINKS  OF  GOLD 


2226829 


"  My  father  dear, 

An  ancient  poet  sweetly  sings  that  love 
Transmuteth  iron  fetters  into  gold." 

Such  were  the  words  of  Princess  Miriam. 
She  was  the  beautiful,  the  only  child 
Of  Eleazer,  ancient  Patriarch 
Of  Galilee. 

The  stiff  and  sterner  will 
Doth  often  break  under  sufficient  strain, 
Where  bending  purpose  springeth  back  again; 
So  the  firm  nature  of  the  Patriarch 
Was  by  her  mild  persistency  o'ercome. 
His  only  child  was  by  indulgence  spoiled, 
And  she  was  beautiful  beyond  compare. 
As  the  opening  bud  unfoldeth  into  flower, 
She  in  the  likeness  of  her  mother  grew, 
Who  while  still  young  and  fair  was  forced  by 

death 

To  leave  her  helpless  infant  in  the  world 
To  other's  care.     The  father's  tender  love 
Clung  fondly  to  this  frail  support. 

Now  they  together  sat  in  the  wide  hall 
Of  the  high  castle  tower  of  Magadan 
That  frowns  above  the  Galilean  Sea. 

His  troubled  face  was  full  of  stern  resolve. 
1 


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He  had  been  trying  to  impress  the  thought, 
To  marry  poor  is  to  become  a  slave. 

He  answered  her, 

"  The   poet   also   sings 
Of  love  as  blind. 

Why  canst  thou  not  discern 
That  Prince  Samar,  of  all  thy  suitors,  hath 
To  recommend  him  to  thy  favor,  wealth, 
Title,  appearance,  and  is  one  of  us  ?  " 

"  Father,  is  love  a  thing  to  barter  with  ?  " 

"  Well,  then,  young  Caius,  the  centurion, 
May  some  day  rise  to  greater  fame  and  power, 
For  he  is  just  and  wise."         t 

"  Is  love,  you  think, 
To  be  a  ladder  by  the  which  we  climb 
Into  position?     Judah  loves  me  well." 

"  Speak  not  his  hated  name  to  me  again. 
The  Jews  hate  us  thou  knowest.     Love  cannot 

grow 
In  soil  of  hate." 

"  I  said  not  that  I  loved." 

"  Love  uses  a  mute  language  of  its  own. 
The  palpitating  heart,  the  crimson  cheek, 
The  bashful  consciousness,  the  heavy  sigh, 
The  absent  mind,  unconsciously  betray 
The  heart." 

"  Or  might  be  mere  coquettish  art. 
Father,  he  vows  his  love  and  constancy." 

"  And  what,  my  innocent,  are  lover's  vows  ? 
In  over-heated  passion  are  they  forged, 


&infe0  of  (fcolti a 

Hot-blown  with  sighs,  at  the  first  strain  they 
break." 

"  Rather    the    golden    links    are    forged    in 

heaven ; 
And  always  heaven  is  where  we  truly  love." 

Seeing  her  fretted,  he  unbent  and  kissed 
Her  burning  cheek.     Love  ever  quickens  love; 
In  her  hands,  white  and  soft,  she  framed  his  face, 
And  kissed  the  parting  of  the  silver  locks. 
She  said,  "  Father,  I  would  be  dutiful." 
And  for  the  moment  thought  herself  sincere. 
With  tender  touch  he  smoothed  her  glossy  hair. 

"  My  child,  beauty  is  woman's  capital. 
Like  wealth,  unwisely  used,  it  is  a  curse ; 
Or  too  much  treasured,  tempts  the  robber  hand. 
The  Prince  Samar  will  give  thee  fair  exchange. 
The  fairest  blossom  often  soonest  fades." 

"  Is  love  a  costly,  rare  exotic,  then  ?  " 

"  Unselfish  love  is  much  too  delicate 
To  bloom  in  our  distempered  atmosphere." 

She  saw  the  trouble  dark'ning  in  his  face. 
Smiling  through  tears,  she  took  his  trembling 

hand, 
And  sat  beside  him  on  the  rich  divan. 

"  Father,  forgive  my  disobedience. 
Many  may  seem  to  love  us,  but  the  soul 
Can  only  truly  blend  with  kindred  soul. 
Although   that   one   may   lack   in   wealth   and 

power, 
Yet  he  is  ever  fondly  in  my  thought. 


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I  would  be  dutiful.     What  shall  I  do?  " 

"  Already  I  have  made  the  final  choice." 
He  crushed  Love's  blossom   with  too   rude   a 

grasp. 
"  Then  love  is  not  considered." 

"  Yes,  controlled. 

A  true  esteem  may  not  be  purchased,  yet 
Should  riches  hinder  true  affection,  pray?  " 

"  They  often  do  absorb  the  mind  and  heart 
As  worldly  things  absorb  our  piety." 

"  Well !  Well !     My  little  saint,  where  learned 

ye  this?" 

"  Not  of  the  one  who  does  not  wish  to  know. 
The  world  is  blinded  by  the  sheen  of  gold, 
For  Solomon,  the  wise,  discerned  it  not." 

"  Daughter,  my  counsel  falls  on  heedless  ears. 
The  young  heed  not  the  danger  in  their  path ; 
Even  attaint  of  evil  gives  a  zest." 

"  Why  was  love  given  if  not   to  guide  our 

way?" 
"  My    child,   then   why  not   heed  a   father's 

love?" 

"  I  do ;  but,  father,  would  it  not  be  sin 
To  sell  myself  for  anything  but  love?  " 
"  Is  it  no  sin  to  break  thy  promise  then?  " 
"  Would   it   be   right   had   I   been   with   the 

prince? 

I  only  promised  not  to  go  with  Judah 
To  the  Island  Carnival." 

"  Daughter? 


of 


Last  night  I  saw  thee  with  that  man  I  hate." 
"  He  only  met  me  at  the  landing  place." 
"  And  took  thee  to  the  sinful  revelry." 
"  No,  he  did  not." 

"  Ye   promised  not   to   go. 
Didst  thou?     Answer  me  plainly,  yea  or  nay." 

"  Well,  I  was  there.     It  is  a  lovely  place. 
A  real  island  built  on  floating  pines 
And  light  materials,  and  the  made  soil 
Is  heaped  in  hills  and  spread  in  grassy  plains 
Where   plants    and    shrubs,    and    even    forests 

grow." 
"  What  holds  it  there,  against  the  wind  and 

wave?  " 
"  Great   anchors   hold   it   with   strong   iron 

chains." 
"  Such  vast   expense  must  have   some  noble 

use." 
"  What  has  more  use  than  pleasure  in  this 

world?  " 
"  True  pleasure  has  its  use.     What  kind  is 

there?" 
"  Dancing   and   playing  games   and   making 

love. 

There  is  a  fountain  spurting  ruby  wine. 
Oh,  it  is  lovely,  sparkles  in  very  joy." 

"  Our  pleasures  are  the  index  of  the  mind. 
Such  as  thou  namest  are  the  frivolous 
And  light ;  and  tempting,  lead  to  greater  sins." 
"Is  pleasure  sin?     The  best  of  people  go." 


6  Links  Of 


"  'Tis  ever  so,  the  hideous  devil  seeks 
Respectability." 

"  You  have  no  right 
To  speak  of  innocent  amusements  so." 

"  Daughter,  what  may  be  innocent  itself 
May  by  enticement  lead  to  greater  harm.  •  ,  .• 
The  kind  of  music,  the  unseemly  hours, 
Unnatural  excitement,  debauch  the  mind.'^ 

"  Father,  your  people  dance  before  their  God, 
In  a  wild  frenzy,  too.     You  think  it  right." 

"  No  more  ;  thou  didst  spend  the  night  in  rev- 

elry, 
And  still  persist  in  loving  that  vile  Jew." 

"  Beloved  father,  I  have  heard  you  say 
That  love  is  all  alike  —  from  God  the  source  ; 
Differs  alone  in  object  and  degree  — 
The  love  of  self,  the  love  of  kin  and  kind, 
The  love  of  man  and  maid.     All  hearts  desire 
Is  the  infusing  atmosphere  of  heaven." 

"  It  is  not  love,  with  thee,  but  wilfulness." 

"  I  must  go  in  ;  the  skies  are  lowering." 

"  Hear  me  !     Too  long  I've  borne  thy  way- 

wardness. 

Dog  of  a  Jew!     For  him  thy  promises 
Are  falsified." 

"  I  will  no  longer  hear 
Him  spoken  of  in  such  a  way  as  that. 
He  is  the  soul  of  honor.     As  we  sat 
Idling  the  hour  in  our  own  pleasure  boat, 
He  slipped  the  cable  just  to  frighten  me. 


Links  Of 


We  drifted  but  a  little  from  the  shore, 
The  setting  of  the  scene  was  love's  delight, 
The  lingering  sun  had  kissed  the  sea  good  night, 
The  moon  rose  with  a  pale  uncritic  light  — " 

"  Cease,  cease,  no  more  of  idle  sentiment. 
The  greatest  falsehood  is  a  partial  truth. 
Better  to  lose  thy  life  than  honor.     That  vile 
dog!" 

Tears  are  a  woman's  final  argument. 
Weeping,  she  clasped  him  in  her  snowy  arms 
And  sobbed, 

"  Oh,  he  was  not  at  all  to  blame. 
He  is  the  soul  of  honor.     Oh,  forgive ! 
And  I  will  never  disobey  again." 

Half  penitential  tears  softened  his  heart. 
He  kissed  her,  said, 

"  Now  heaven  has  heard  my  prayer. 
I  love  thee,  darling,  as  I  love  my  life. 
Forgive  thee  ?     Aye,  will  bless,  as  more  I  see 
The  image  of  thy  mother.     Fair  thou  art, 
Too  fair  almost;  the  precious  gem  doth  tempt 
The  robber.     Heaven  bless  my  darling  child." 

Then  as  a  wild  gazelle,  with  nimble  feet 
She  tripped  the  marble  stair.     In  her  own  room 
Before  a  massive  silver  mirror  stood, 
And  in  coquettish  poses  turned  about. 

Light  as  the  flying  shadows  of  the  clouds 
Upon  a  summer  field,  her  changing  moods. 

Her  nervous  fingers  touched  a  lustrous  pearl 
That  hung  above  the  palpitating  heart. 


8  Links  of 


She  thought  of  Prince  Samar,  who  gave  it  her. 
Beneath  her  ear,  she  twirled  an  amethyst, 
The  costly  gift  of  the  centurion. 
With  a  heart  flutter  and  a  sigh  she  saw 
Her  plain  gold  ring,  token  of  Judah's  love. 
These  light-winged  thoughts  were  spoken  to  her- 

self, 

"  Surely  a  demon  dark  possesses  me  ; 
I  do  the  things  I  know  I  should  not  do, 
Do  not  the  things  I  should,  and  all  for  love  ; 
And  yet  I  know  not  if  I  love  at  all. 
The  signs  are  that  I  care  for  Judah  most. 
His  coming  stirs  my  heart  ;  with  him  the  time 
Too  quickly  flies  ;  and  when  away,  my  thoughts 
To  him  like  doves  unto  their  windows  fly\ 

But  then  the  prince  loves  me  I  know.    Last 

night 

His  eyes  expressed  the  longing  of  his  heart. 
I  could  have  everything  my  soul  desires. 

And  the  centurion,  sometime  he  might 
Be  emperor  —  the  Romans  have  one  wife  — 
I  would  be  empress  then  of  all  the  world. 

We   have   such   merry   times!     As   with   a 

flowery  chain 
I  lead  them  as  my  willing  slaves. 

The   old 
Forget  when  they  were  young. 

Not  go  again? 

Ha  !     Ha  !     There  never  was  a  lover  spoke 
The  truth." 


Links  of  ffolti 9 

Worried  by  her  own  waywardness, 
She  raised  her  beautiful  bare  arms  and  loosed 
The  jeweled  bands  that  bound  her  heavy  hair, 
Then  on  a  couch  of  damascene  reclined, 
Drew  up  the  silken  covers,  closed  her  eyes. 

A  Canaanitish  maid  stole  softly  in. 
Miriam  said, 

"  Good  Zoa,  I  would  sleep ; 

Bring  here  the  fan  that  has  the  charm  of  love, 
Made  of  the  feathers  of  the  cooing  dove, 
Put  on  it  lotus  perfume,  wooing  sleep. 
Oh,  why  should  love  be  so  disquieting? 
Sing  me  that  sweet  suggestive  lullaby." 

Good  Zoa  sang, 

"  Sleepy  grove  of  Arabic, 

Bush  of  spice  and  flowering  tree  — 

Sleep,  my  little  darling,  sleep. 

Sleepy  air  of  summertime, 
Drone  of  beetle,  hum  of  bee  — 
Sleep,  my  little  darling,  sleep. 

Grassy  bank  and  cooling  breeze, 
Scent  of  wood  and  purl  of  stream  — 
Sleep,  my  little  darling,  sleep. 

Closing  eye  and  setting  sun, 
Twilight  soft  and  falling  dew  — 
Sleep,  my  little  darling,  sleep." 

The  soft  suggestion  of  the  lullaby 


10  Links  of 


Calmed  her  to  sleep,  until  the  sun  had  set. 
The    brazen    lamps    of    perfumed    oil    burned 

bright. 
She  half  awoke. 

"  How  long  was  I  asleep?  " 

*'  Not  long,  sleep  on." 

"  Zoa,  was  Judah  here?  " 

"  If  not,  he  will  be,  for  the  bee  will  find 
The  sweet." 

"  I  dreamed  he  was  and  loved  me  not. 
If  I  must  dream,  I  will  not  sleep  again. 
Dear,  if  you  know,  come  tell  me;  what  is  love?  " 

"  It  seems  to  be  an  inward  flame." 

"  How  so?  " 

"  Because  the  victim  heaveth  burning  sighs 
And  hot  blood  rushes  to  the  blushing  cheek." 

"  It  seems  to  be  an  apt  conceit.     Tell  me 
What  kindles  it.     My  father  thinks  one  may 
At  will.     If  I  can  thus  light  up  my  love, 
Who  of  my  suitors  shall  receive  its  warmth  ?  " 

"  Well,  let  us  make  an  inventory  first." 

"  Proceed." 

"  The  Prince  is  medium  in  height 
And  has  a  dark  complexion  ;  hair  is  black, 
As  are  his  eyes.     His  countenance,  once  good, 
Bears  the  plain  signs  of  his  debauchery  — 
The  highest  angel  has  the  deepest  fall. 
Over  against  it  all,  he  has  more  wealth 
Than  his  extravagance  can  waste.     And  then 
He  also  has  commercial  courtesy, 


Links  of  ®o!ti 11 

The  kind  that  has  a  purpose  sinister." 

"  My  tutor  maid,  I  see  you  like  him  not. 
Go  on." 

"  Now  Caius,  the  centurion, 
Is  brave  and  strong  and  of  a  martial  form. 
He  has  dark  hair,  brown  eyes,  a  heavy  brow, 
Arched  nose  and  rugged  countenance. 
His  occupation  is  not  of  the  best. 
The  butcher  has  no  honor  from  his  trade ; 
Yet  butchers  of  men  are  heroes  of  the  world." 

"  Judah?     What  can  you  say  of  him?     Go 

on." 

<''"  Judah,  the  scribe,  is  of  the  royal  type, 
The  blood  of  David  and  of  Solomon. 
The  type  is  of  the  Moabitess,  Ruth. 
They  have  a  fair  complexion,  auburn  hair, 
Blue  eyes,  straight  nose,  and  open  countenance. 
Their  manners  are  sincere  and  affable, 
Yet  with  it  all  Judah  has  little  gold.',' 

But  he  is  gold  himself."  $&A  *&  f* 

"  Yet  has  it  not." 

"  Better  to  be  than  have." 

"  Here  is  a  note.^ 

The   Princess'    trembling   fingers    broke    the 

seal. 

She  knew  the  writing,  for  the  skillful  scribe 
Had  modeled  the  embellished  characters. 
She  kissed  the  perfumed  vellum  o'er  and  o'er, — 
The  love  note  of  an  oriental  read. 


12  links  of 


"Arise,  my  fair  one,  come  away; 

Make  haste,  my  love; 

Be  like  unto  the  roe, 

Or  the  young  hart  upon  the  mountains. 

Come  with  me  to  Lebanon, 
To  the  glorious  sides  of  Sannin, 
To  the  top  of  Hermon,  my  dove, 
To  the  flowering  meadows  of  Carmel. 

Thine  eyes  are  the  fountains  of  Ophel. 
Thy  ruddy  lips  are  sweet 
As  the  grapes  of  Eschol, 
Thy  cheeks  as  the  apples  of  Temar. 

Arise,  my  love,  and  come  away; 
The  all  revealing  sun 
Hideth  his  face; 
The  silent  moon  to  love  inviteth." 

The  Princess  read  it  over  many  times, 
Interpreted  in  many  ways  each  word, 
And  then  turning  abruptly  to  her  maid, 
"  Zoa,  have  I  too  many  lovers,  think?  " 
"  You  may  have.     Although  many  may  love 

,  you, 

(The  love  of  one  only  can  be  returnedA 
The  heart  may  not  partition  out  its  love." 

"  That  is  the  way  of  life  ;  get  most  for  least, 
And  like  the  butterfly  sip  honeyed  sweets 
From  every  kind  of  bloom." 

"  My  dear,  you  have 


Links  of  <$olD  13 

Expensive  tastes.     The  Prince  could  best  sup- 


Your  wants.     You  love  authority 
And  the  centurion  can  give  you  that. 
But  everyone  loves  to  be  loved.     It  seems 
As    though    the    Scribe   would   truly   love   you 
most." 

"  And  still  you  have  not  made  a  choice  for 
me." 

"  Why  do  you  not  consult  your  horoscope?  " 

"  I   have  consulted  our  astrologer. 
He  wrinkled  up  his  brow  and  pursed  his  lips 
And  muttered  doleful  things  ;  and  then  for  fear 
He  would  receive  no  pay,  spoke  with  more  cheer, 
And  I  was  left  no  wiser  than  before." 

"  Well,  I  will  choose  for  you.     Rachel,  your 

friend, 

Being  a  Jew  might  learn  to  love  the  Jew. 
As  your  wise  father  says,  he  could  love  her. 
And  you  shall  take  the  Roman  to  your  heart." 
^"  Stop  there  !     I  will  not  hear  you  speak  like 


"Pardon!     In  the  mirror  of  your  jealousy 
The  perfect  image  of  true  love  appears. 
Judah  awaits  you." 

"  I  must  go  to  him." 
"  Oh,  do  not  leave  the  court." 

Good  Zoa  bathed 

And  then  anointed  her  with  perfumed  oils  ; 
Her  tresses  bound  with  jeweled  bands  of  gold; 


14  Links  o( 


Over  the  white  embroidery  she  threw 

A  robe  of  silk  ;  painted  her  lovely  cheeks 

The  tint  of  ripened  fruit  ;  stained  her  sweet  lips 

Like  red  ripe  cherries  ;  the  expressive  eyes  en- 

larged 

With  umber;  on  her  neck  and  arms  glittered 
Jewels,  on  her  ankles  tinkling  bells. 

Vision  of  oriental  loveliness, 
She  in  the  silver  mirror  saw  herself  - 
The  cause  of  woman's  vanity  since  Eve 
First  saw  her  image  in  the  glassy  pool. 
She  held  a  jewel  up  to  Zoa's  gaze. 

"  A  brilliant,  Caius  Marcus  gave  it  me. 
It  is  a  beauty  —  yet  I  love  it  not. 
The  Roman  seems  so  very  passionless. 
My  pride  resents  their  haughty  sympathy. 
Darling,  for  you  the  jewel  and  the  kiss." 

"  Without  the  kiss  I  would  not  value  it." 

"  Our  trysting  place  is  in  the  lower  court, 
Trip  down  the  stair  a  little  way  and  look." 

The  maiden  tiptoed  to  the  upper  stair, 
Saw  Judah  standing  by  the  fountain's  marge, 
Nipping  a  leaf  in  his  impatient  thought. 
In  his  intense  expectancy  he  heard 
Her,  started  to  the  stair  — 

She  backward  flew. 

"  Speak,  speak,  is  he  so  frightful?  " 

"  Oh,  he  looked." 

"Well?" 


Links  of  (gold 15 

"  Thought  it  you." 

"What  did  he  say?" 

"  '  My  dear.'  " 

"And  what?" 

"  '  You  kept  me  waiting  for  so  long.'  " 

"What  more?     Did  he  not  sigh?     How  did 

he  look? 

Lose  not  a  syllable,  nor  slightest  move. 
Did  he  not  speak  my  name?     Be  quick." 

"  I  ran." 
"  And  woman-like  looked  back.     What  did  he 

then?" 

"  As  the  sun-worshiper  he  gazed  aloft." 
"  I  must  go   down  to  him.     Kiss   me  good 

night. 
Leave  not  the  door  unbarred.     You  know  my 

knock. 

To  any  that  may  call  I  am  asleep. 
Some     wine.     Be     careful,     walls     have     ears. 

Night  birds 
Fly  low.     Good  night." 

"  Good  night.     He  will  behold 
The  brightest  angel  burst  the  crystal  heavens." 
Zoa,  the  maid,  before  the  Princess  kneeled, 
"  Oh,  hear  me !     Hear  me !  " 
"  Well,  what  awful  thing?  " 
"  Promise  to  stay  within  the  tower  to-night?  " 
"  Who  taught  you  that?  " 

"  I  had  an  awful  dream, 


16 Links  of  ffolD 

The  east  wind  swept  a  mist  across  the  sea, 
That   blew    and    wreathed    itself    in    phantom 

shapes. 

One  was  like  yours  —     I  can  not  speak  of  it. 
I  heard  — "     She  placed  her  hands  upon  her 

ears  — 

"  Wild  wailing  cries  and  pleadings  of  distress." 
The  maiden's  voice  was  broken  by  her  sobs. 

"  Dreaming  again." 

"  No,  no,  not  all  a  dream ; 
For  Zogbarak,  my  lover,  crossed  the  sea, 
An  oath-bound  secret  locked  within  his  breast. 
He  charged  me  so, 

*  As  you  love  Miriam, 

See  that  she  does  not  leave  the  tower  to-night.' 
Oh,  promise,  in  the  hearing  of  thy  God." 

"  Jehovah  witness  that  I  promise  you 
I  will  not  go  outside  the  tower  to-night. 

Good  night." 

"  Good  night." 

With  bright  expectancy 

She  as  an  angel  swept  adown  the  stair. 

The  oriental  moon  shone  brightly  down, 
Lighting  the  shadows  of  the  open  court. 
The  silent  stars  filled  the  clear  firmament. 
The  sparkling  waters  of  the  fountain  leaped 
And  broke  into  a  thousand  tiny  moons, 
And   birds  that   sing  their  plaintive  songs   at 

night 
In  golden  cages  hung.     A  lover's  heaven ! 


Links  of  aolD 17 

The  faithful  Judah  met  her  on  the  stair. 
Taking  her  jeweled  hand,  he  led  her  down 
Into  a  shadowy  nook,  under  low  palms. 

He  drew  her  willing  head  onto  his  arm, 
The  lagging  moments  leaped  to  present  bliss. 
Looking  into  her  eyes, 

"  Darling,  one  word 

From  thy  sweet  lips  will  make  my  joy  complete. 
I  know  your  noble  father  loves  me  not. 
I  can  not  change  my  lineage,  if  I  would. 
I  am  not  rich,  but  have  a  cottage  home, 
Where  love  enthroned  will  fairest  palace  make. 
I  only  offer  love  for  love." 

A  tear 

Glit'ring  —  it  might  be  a  coquettish  tear  — 
Entangled  in  her  silken  lashes  hung. 

"  Dearest,  why  is  love's  pathway  so  bestrewn 
With  sharpest  thorns?     My  father  thinks  that 

love, 

Without  some  other  bond,  will  not  endure. 
A  palace  for  a  cottage  seems  too  much  to  pay, 
And  a  mere  fancy  that  might  quickly  pass ; 
Yet  love  never  a  prudent  bargain  made." 

He  kissed  the  trembling  tear  drop  e'er  it  fell.  \J 
j     "  And  if  I  thought  our  love  would  not  endure  v- 
And  grow  with  age  more  golden,  as  the  head     _^5 
Of  grain,  then  were  the  sacrifice  too  great."| 

Her  head  was  nestled  closer  to  his  breast. 

"  Dearest,  your  noble  love  ennobles  me. 
Away  from  you  I  seem  to  be  possessed. 


18  Links  of 


Oh,   what   was   that?     Someone  is    at   the 

gate. 
Hark!     Hark!     They  knock!     Judah,   I   am 

afraid 

That  father  has  discovered  that  you  are  here, 
And  called  the  Roman  guard.     What  shall  we 

do?" 

"  I  will  away." 
"  O  dear,  it  is  too  late  !  " 
"  Then  I  must  hide." 
"  The  secret  chamber.     Quick  ! 
Here  is  the  door." 

He  snatched  a  hasty  kiss 
And   stepped   within.     The   door   on    darkness 

closed. 

He  stood  in  silence  and  uncertainty, 
Then  moved  with  careful  step,  feeling  the  stones. 
He  placed  his  ear  against  the  heavy  walls 
And  heard  the  muffled  tramp  of  armored  feet, 
And  then  a  dead  oppressive  silence  came. 
Moments  longer  than  hours  seemed  to  him. 

"  Away  from  you,  I  seem  to  be  possessed," 
Rang  in  his  thought,  as  doth  a  bell  at  night. 
A  dim  suspicion  crept  into  his  mind. 
"  Betrayed?     Trapped  like  a  beast?     And  love 

the  bait?  " 

He  would  not  think  of  it,  hated  himself, 
And  as  he  strove,  the  dread  grew  on  him  more. 
"  If  she  were  true,  something  might  happen  her, 
And  I  be  left  alone  in  here  to  die." 


Links  of  (So ID 19 

Shaking  with  terror,  he  was  overcome ; 
Weakened,  he  sank  upon  the  musty  pave. 

Now  Caius  Marcus,  the  centurion, 
Had  been  admitted  through  the  tower  gate, 
And  fickle-hearted  Miriam  with  art 
Intuitive  to  woman,  smiling,  stood 
As  though  she  had  come  down  to  welcome  him. 

Caius,    with    helmet    raised,    drew   near    and 

bowed. 
She  gave  her  hand ;  he  kissed  the  finger  tips. 

"  You  do  me  honor,  Princess  Miriam." 

"  I  do  not  seem  so  dangerous,  do  I, 
That  you  should  call  with  all  your  armor  on?  " 

"  Nay,  not  for  your  offense,  but  your  defense. 
Most  gracious  princess,  pray  excuse  the  time, 
And  manner  of  our  coming." 

"  Caius,  you 
Are  welcome.     Arms  become  you  well." 

"  It  is  no  fitting  garb  in  which  to  woo 
A  maiden's  fancy." 

"  Be  not  sure  of  that." 

"  Sometime  I  hope  to  be  allowed  to  call 
On  you  more  pleasantly  arrayed  than  this. 
Our  errand  now  admits  of  no  delay. 
Of  late  the  robbers  of  the  eastern  shore 
Are  growing  overbold;  the  caravans 
Require  a  double  guard.     Two  robbers  now 
Are  in  this  tower.     One  will  steal  your  jewels ; 
One  seeks  to  rob  your  father  of  yourself." 


20  Link0  of 


"  It    can    not    be,    go    search    the    palace 

through." 

"  One  robber  is  the  lover  of  your  maid." 
"  Await  me  here,  I  will  go  look  for  her." 
"  With  your  permission,  we  will  also  go." 
Caius  had  left  a  guard  around  the  tower 

And  felt  no  need  of  secrecy.     He  tramped 

The  sweeping  stair,  and  reckoned  not  on  love 

Outwitting  him. 

For  through  the  vacant  court 

Tiptoed  Zoa,  the  maid,  and  Zogbarak, 

A  massive  giant,  followed  after  her. 

Right  well  she  knew  the  secrets  of  the  tower. 

The  giant,  bending  quickly,  stepped  within 

Its  hiding  place.     His  intuition  felt 

A  presence. 

"Who   or  what  are  you?"     He   stood 

Peering  into  the  darkness,  with  his  hand 

Upon  his  dagger.     "  Man  or  devil,  speak." 

Close  by,  the  dreaded  darkness  answer  gave, 
"  If  I  mistake  not  you  are  Zogbarak. 

If  so,  like  interest  will  make  us  friends." 

"  The  voice   of  Judah  !     Yes,  we  should  be 
friends  ; 

By  all  the  gods,  our  necks  depend  on  it." 

"  And  you  are  hiding  from  the  Roman,  too." 
"  Yes,  that  is  nothing  new,  for  me  at  least." 
"What  can  we  do?" 

"  Nothing  that  we  can  see. 

I  came  to  have  Zoa  warn  Miriam, 


Links  of  (frolt) 21 

Lover-like  lingered  long." 

"Warn  her  of  what?" 

"  Not  to  attend  the  Island  Festival. 

Samar  " —  He  hissed  it  fiercely  through  his 

teeth  - 

"  Admired  and  honored  for  his  wealth  alone, 
I  know  to  be  a  base  and  lecherous  devil." 

"  Explain !     Be  quick !     What  are  his  dark 
designs?  " 

"  This  night  may  be  the  last  for  Miriam." 

"How?     How?" 

"  Heretofore  her  cunning  coquetry 
Led  him  to  think  that  he  could  gain  her  love. 
But  disappointed,  he  will  now  use  force, 
Enticing  with  his  island  revelry, 
Will  drag  her  to  his  den  of  infamy." 

"  She  took  a  solemn  oath  to  stay  at  home." 

"  You  may  not  like  to  hear  it  —  Miriam 
Is  growing  vain  and  frivolous.     As  well 
Attempt  to  bind  the  air  with  cords,  as  such 
A  character  with  oaths." 

"  She  must  not  go." 

"  He  has  her  promise, 
And  we  are  shut  in  here." 

"  O  God,  hear  me ! 
O  God,  hear  my  prayer !  " 

"  Be  calm ;  run  not  before  the  gods,  but  wait 
Their  time.     Whether  we  will  or  not,  we  must. 
Hearken,  a  skillful  general  should  know 
His  enemy.     Who  knows  but  what  this  time 


22  Links  of 


Is  for  such  purpose  given?     Listen  to  me. 

The  Prince  —  God  save  the  honor  —  claims 

descent 

From  Solomon,  who  kept  his  most  loved  wife 
Mured  in  a  royal  cave  beyond  the  sea. 
He  claims  his  title  has  come  down  from  them. 

And  once  while  wandering  in  the  wilderness, 
He  met  a  tattered  hermit  bent  and  thin 
Laboring  up  the  rugged  mountain  side, 
Who  seemed  to  be  as  ancient  as  the  rocks. 
He  helped  the  weary  recluse  to  his  den, 
Gathered  some  sticks  and  cooked  a  frugal  meal, 
Then  afterward  he  stayed  and  cared  for  him  ; 
By  close  attention  gained  his  confidence 
And  learned  from  him  about  the  treasury 
Of  Solomon.     He  told  the  hoary  seer 
That  he  himself  was  heir  to  the  rich  king 
Who  locked  his  treasure  in  that  ancient  cave. 
At  last  the  wizard  gave  to  him  the  key 
And  as  a  shadow  vanished  out  of  sight." 

"  Satan  it  was." 

O*  There  is  no  surer  way 
To  ruin  men  than  give  them  useless  wealth. 
When  satiated  with  indulgencesA 
He  organized  a  band  of  Canaanites. 
I,  for  my  strength,  was  chosen  to  be  chief." 

"  So  you  are  leader  of  his  robber  band." 

"  Our  hiding  place  is  in  the  mountain  cave, 
And  here  he  drags  the  victims  of  his  lust, 
And  then  leaves  them  to  perish  horribly. 


Links  of  <$olD  23 

To  us  he  gives  the  treasure  that  we  take." 

"  And  by  this  booty  holds  you  in  his  grasp." 

"  Not  that  alone.     For  when  I  see  the  land, 
Valleys  and  vine-clad  hills  and  happy  homes, 
With  bending  orchards,  waving  fields  of  grain, 
And  the  walled  cities,  that  are  ours  by  right, 
Wrested  from  us,  my  people  menial  slaves  — 
All  by  the  sanction  of  a  cruel  god  — 
Then  why  should  I,  a  Canaanite,  have  pity?  " 

"  And  yet  you  should." 

"  Nay,  Scribe,  in  this  bad  world 
Goodness  is  martyrdom." 

"  O  no,  not  so; 
^Goodness  will  always  have  a  sure  reward.^ 

"  Sweet  youth,  I  wish  I  had  your  innocence. 
When  you  are  old  you  will  know  more  or  less." 

"  The  innocent  must  be  the  happiest." 

"  And  be  the  prey  of  every  ravenous  beast. 
Samar,  the  prince,  more  than  a  hungry  wolf 
Thirsts  for  the  blood  of  innocent  young  lambs. 
He  wears  a  golden  mask  his  hideous 
Deformity  to  hide." 

"O,  I  will  die! 
We  must  get  out  of  here  and  save  her  life." 

"  And  that  we  will  when  thou  hast  told  us 
how." 

"  Under  fair  show,  he  is  an  incarnate  fiend." 

"  And  that  he  is  and  worse. 

Often  at  night 
I  see  the  ghost  of  poor  old  Ithamar, 


24  Linb0  of  <S5olD 

His  venerable  locks  clotted  with  gore, 

And  on  his  face  a  pained  and  pleading  look. 

We  as  a  tempest  struck  his  caravan. 
In  the  confusion  and  uncertainty, 
Samar   dragged   Rachel,    screaming,    from   her 

tent. 

Her  feeble  father  clung  with  trembling  hands 
To  her.     To  think  the  devil  with  a  sword 
Cut  off  both  hands.     With  their  mute  pleading 

stumps 

Following  still,  the  monster  struck  him  down." 
"  And  you  permitted  it?  " 

"  And  that  is  why 
His  ghost  impeaches  me.     I  hate  myself." 

"  To  seize  his  prey  the  cunning  spider  lurks ; 
Like  a  drained  fly  she  will  be  cast  away." 

"  It    seems    so    long.     Oh,    will    they    never 

come?  " 
"  They  promised  not.     If  they  should  love  us, 

we 

Are  safe.     If  not,  some  time  in  after  years 
A  stranger  curious  may  stumble  on 
Our  musty  skeletons." 

"  Which  way  think  you 
The  court  is?" 

"  Place  your  ear  against  the  wall." 
"  There  is  a  tremor  as  of  armored  feet." 
"  Oh,    see !     Back !     Back !     Be  quick !  "   he 
fiercely  hissed. 


Links:  of  ®oiD  25 

Drawing  their  swords  they  sprang  aside.     The 

door 

Now  stood  ajar.     Zoa,  bearing  a  torch, 
And  Miriam  sprang  in,  and  the  door  closed. 

"  Oh,  blessed  sight !  " 

"  Oh,  then  you  doubted  us." 

"  Why  shut  the  door?  " 

"  Hist,  do  not  speak  so  loud." 

"What  now?" 

"  Zoa,  go  forward  with  the  light." 
She  held  the  torch  against  the  hither  wall. 

"  Look  for  a  cross  mark  — 

dim  —  Here ! 
Zogbarak, 
Try  this  door." 

The  rusty  hinges  shrieked 
A  shrill  dissent. 

They,  bending,  looked  far  down, 
And  saw  a  deep  still  inlet  of  the  sea, 
A  slippery  stair  of  stone  led  down  to  it. 
Around  the  landing  many  boats  were  chained. 

Zogbarak  took  the  torch.     They  followed  him 
Down  the  steep  narrow  way. 

He  grasped  the  hand 
Of  Zoa,  helped  her  into  a  slender  boat. 
Under  his  deep  glad  stroke  it  outward  flew 
Onto  the  silent  sea.     But  Miriam 
With  Judah  rowed  along  the  shore.     She  cried, 

"  O  such  a  lovely  night !     And  the  kind  sea ! 


26  Link0  of 


Now   let   the    Romans    rummage    through    the 

tower." 
"  Yes,    darling,    how    much   better    than    be 

mured, 

Shut  like  a  beast,  in  that  dark  musty  place. 
Where  shall  we  go?  " 

"  And  why  go  anywhere  ?  " 
"  Darling,  to  be  with  you  is  heaven  indeed, 
And  yet  it  is  not  right  that  we  are  here. 
The  lamb  should  be  within  the  fold  at  night." 
"  Outside  is  better  when  the  wolves  are  in." 
"  You  promised  not  to  leave  the  tower  to- 

night." 

"  Pray,  how  can  I  a  broken  promise  mend?  " 
"  By  quick  amend." 

"  Then  row  me  to  the  land." 
"  The  ship  of  Prince  Samar  is  at  the  wharf." 
"And  what  of  that?" 

"  It  may  seem  jealousy, 
But  I  must  warn  you  of  the  deep  designs 
Of  the  unprincipled  Samar.     He  seeks 
To  ruin  you.     And  of  your  promise  boasts, 
To  be  his  guest  upon  the  isle  to-night." 

"  An  enemy  of  his  told  you  all  this. 
Warning!   Yes,  warning,  warning,  all  the  time! 
Father  of  you  ;  and  you  of  Prince  Samar  ; 
And  Zoa  of  the  sea." 

"  Better  regard 
Even  the  warnings  of  an  enemy." 

"  Yes,  better  than  of  over  anxious  friends." 


Links  oC  <$olU  27 

"  0  darling,  hearken  ere  it  be  too  late." 
"  The  hands  of  envy  are  like  devil's  claws. 
I  know  it  is  a  rank  conspiracy. 
Because  the  prince  has  wealth  they  clutch  at 

him. 

I  went  last  night,  but  nothing  came  of  it 
Worse  than  my  father's  talk.     Trust  me  this 

once. 

Row  to  the  landing.     I  will  then  go  home." 
"  O   Miriam,   why   should   you   tempt   your- 
self?" 

Lithe  as  a  fawn  she  threw  herself  upon 
His  lap,  with  velvet  arms  about  his  neck. 
She  gave  him  an  endearing  kiss  that  sent 
The  hot  blood  rushing  through  his  veins;  with 

love's 
Frenzied  intoxication  filled  his  brain. 

"  Sweet  Judah,  shall  we  go?     Trust  me  this 

once." 

"  0  darling,  let  us  try  some  other  way." 
"  You  love  me  not,  or  you  would  trust  me 

now, 
I  will  go  back  into  the  tower  at  once." 

Another  kiss  robbed  him  of  judgment  quite. 
Let  no  one  frown  on  his  discomfiture ; 
For  love's  dementia  affecteth  all. 

He  rowed  the  boat  up  to  the  crowded  pier. 
Just  then  the  soft-winged  night  brought  to  her 

ear 
Orchestral  strains  of  dulcet  harmony. 


28  Links  of 


She  stood  entranced,  regarding  not  his  great 
Anxiety. 

"  O  Judah,  this  will  be 
The  grandest  night  of  all." 

"  O  Miriam,  come." 

She  drew  still  nearer  to  the  ship. 
Now  came  the  witchery  of  a  dancing  tune, 
Unconsciously  she  timed  it  with  her  feet. 

Frantically  Judah  urged  her  to  return. 
She  heeded  not.     The  silver  bell  rang  thrice 
As  if  the  boat  would  start.     Her  heart  beat 

hard. 

The    prince    perceiving    her,    came    down    and 
bowed. 

"  O  gracious  Princess,  you  have  come  at  last. 
Permit  me  to  escort  you  to  the  throne." 

He,  with  a  scant  permission,  took  her  hand  ; 
Her  dainty  feet  sank  in  the  velvet  rugs. 
Sitting  upon  a  gilded  seat  high  raised 
She  gazed  into  the  throng,  Judah  saw  not  ; 
The  guards  had  crossed  their  swords  in  front 
of  him. 

A  golden  bell   struck  once,  and  twice,  and 

thrice. 

And  then  a  hundred  golden  instruments 
Of  music  sent  ashore  a  parting  cheer. 
A  hundred  rhythmic  oars  arose  and  fell. 

Judah  with  frenzy  saw  the  noble  ship 
Ride  as  a  floating  palace  on  the  sea, 
Bearing  away  all  that  was  dear  to  him 


Link0  of  <$olD  29 

To  certain  ruin  and  despair  and  death. 
And  he  would  never  see  her  face  again. 
Weak!  Criminally  weak!  He  saw  it  now. 

Clutching  the  rail  in  impotent  despair, 
He  watched  the  lights  grow  blurred  and  dim 
And  lost  at  last  in  the  despairing  night. 

He  ran  in  desperation  to  his  boat 
And  guided  by  a  friendly  star  rowed  on. 
The  shoreless  water  at  his  folly  mocked. 

At  last  a  light  rose  from  the  water's  rim. 
Under  his  quickened  stroke  it  rose  and  grew 
And  widened  till  the  island  was  in  view, 
As  a  fair  gem  upon  the  glittering  sea. 

Builded  it  was  upon  an  anchored  raft, 
On  which  the  soil  was  placed  in  hills  and  vales, 
And  level  plains,  as  nature  would  have  done. 
The  enchanted  island  was  ablaze  with  light 
That  rifted  through  the  heavy  fronded  palms. 

Quickly  he  turned  his  prow  far  out,  around 
To  where  the  low  shore  in  silent  shadow  lay, 
And  swept  the  keel  far  up  the  sandy  beach. 

What  could  be  done,  weak  handed  and  alone? 
The  lonesome  dread  held  with  relentless  grip. 

Now  sweetest  symphony  in  dancing  time 
Floated  among  the  trees  —  this  way  it  came. 

Keeping  well  in  the  shadows  of  the  path, 
He  came  near  to  a  polished  dancing  floor ; 
Intensely  gazed  on  the  bewildering  scene. 
Around  it  white,  nude,  statues  held  the  lights. 
Under  the  silken  canopy  were  set 


30  Link0  of 


The  players  on  a  hundred  instruments. 
And  as  the  merry  couples  tripped  around, 
He,  disappointed,  watched  for  Miriam. 
She  was  not  there,  neither  was  Prince  Samar. 
Trembling  and  heart-sick  he  turned  away. 

Then  noticed  in  the  bushes,  here  and  there, 
Were  gaming  booths  —  now  surely  she  is  here. 
Concealed,   he   watched   and    saw    fair  jeweled 

hands 

Throw  gold  and  silver  dice  for  princely  stakes, 
And  sometimes  even  their  immortal  souls. 

Nor  Miriam,  nor  the  Prince  were  to  be  seen. 
Returning  to  his  boat,  he  needs  must  cross  i, 

A  narrow  dell,  and  here  the  air  was  thick 
With  musky  fumes  of  wine.     Hidden  with  vines    .  fc 
He  found  a  marble  grot,  unseen  before, 
A  fountain  there  was  spurting  ruby  wine.       .dy 

Oh,  terrible!     A  woman  richly  dressed  "•  / 
Lay  prone  upon  the  floor.     The  clothing  seemed 
Familiar  ;  still  he  did  not  think  of  her. 
Yet  curious,  he  trembling  bared  her  face  —  • 
Oh,  horrible!     The  Princess  Miriam 
It  was,  so  sodden  drunk  she  could  not  move. 

There  was  no  time  for  useless  sorrowing. 
In  his  strong  arms  he  lifted  the  limp  form 
And  carried  it  and  laid  it  in  his  boat, 
Which  he  pushed  to  the  water  and  sprang  in  ; 
Seizing  the  oars  he  quickly  rowed  away. 

Meanwhile,  Samar,  still  in  his  festal  robes, 
With  ten  selected  from  his  band,  returned 


Links  of  ®olt! 31 

To  take  the  lovely  captive  to  his  den. 
And  what  was  his  astonishment  and  rage 
To  find  her  gone.     They  searched  within,  with- 
out. 

One  held  a  torch  low  down  and  saw  foot  prints. 
Then  as  a  pack  of  hounds  they  followed  down 
To  where  the  shore  sand  showed  them  deep, 
As  if  a  heavy  body  had  been  borne, 
Also  the  keel  marks  Judah's  boat  had  left. 
So  to  the  learned  in  sea  lore  could  be  read, 
As  plain  as  on  a  sign,  what  had  occurred. 

Samar,  trembling  with  anger,  as  a  beast 
Robbed  of  its  helpless  prey,  stood  on  the  prow 
Of  his  ten-oared  galley  as  they  sped  away. 

The  chase  is  on! 

Judah  was  well  away. 

O  God  of  love !     Hear  thou  a  lover's  prayer ! 
O  night  and  sea  and  ghostly  mist,  hide  him ! 
He  feels  the  breeze  and  shudders  at  the  thought 
Of  Zoa's  dream,  "  the  wailing  of  distress." 
The  sad  conditions  prove  the  augury. 
It  is  enough.     Oh,  why  should  there  be  worse? 
Surely  the  spirits  wail  to  see  her  thus. 
A  ghostly  shadow  o'er  his  spirit  hangs, 
Although  the  sea  and  sky  are  clear  and  calm. 

He  grimly  rowed  with  a  determined  stroke  — 
It  seemed  as  if  the  sea  would  never  end  — 
Exhausted,  he  would  rest.     As  prone  he  lay 
Looking  into  the  starry  heavens,  he  felt 
Their  silent  influence.     Though  greatly  grieved. 


32 Links  of  <g)QlD 

He  hoped  that  Miriam  would  be  as  she  was 
When  she  was  innocent.     In  bliss  he  rose, 
To  find  her  sleeping  sodden  at  his  feet. 

He  starts!     Oh,  what  is  that?     A  ten-oared 

ship 

Is  bearing  down  on  him.     Seizing  his  oars 
He  quickly  rows  away.     The  galley  turns ; 
He  darts  across  her  bows.     She  turns  again, — 
No  other  than  Samar  stands  on  her  prow. 

The  boat  of  Judah  built  for  speed  is  long 
And  narrow,  and  the  oar  blades  thin  and  wide. 
His  heavy-muscled  arms,  swollen  and  tense, 
In  the  deep  water  strain  the  creaking  oars, 
The  boat  skims  as  a  swiftly  darting  bird. 

It  gains !     It  gains !     And  Judah  sees  a  light 
Streaming  along  the  water.     Joy !     Oh,  Joy ! 
It  is  the  welcome  beacon  on  the  Tower. 
O  God,  give  Judah  strength,  that  they  escape. 

The  galley  as  a  hawk  relentlessly 
Pursues,  and  now  it  gains.     Despair  unnerves 

him. 

There's  only  one  escape  —  the  deep,  deep,  sea 
Calls  from  its  peaceful  depths  —  together  they 
May  sleep,  and  she  escape  the  villain's  lust. 
He  takes  her  in  his  arms  —  too  late !  too  late ! 

They  swing  their  boat  around  and  grapple 

his. 

Two  of  them  spring  and  catch  him  by  the  arms. 
Samar  and  another  carry  Miriam, 
Lay  her  unconscious  on  the  galley  bench. 


Links  of  ®olti 33 

He  cries,  "  Zogbarak,  drown  the  Jewish  dog." 
The  robber  chieftain  seizes  Judah  roughly 
And  hurls  him  to  the  bottom  of  the  boat. 
Then  leaping  to  the  galley,  turns  its  course, 
Swiftly  they  row  away.     Judah  is  left 
Adrift  on  the  wide  sea  without  an  oar, 
Baffled  and  helpless  and  alone. 

On,  on, 

With  level  stroke  the  ten-oared  galley  sped; 
On,  on,  across  the  sea,  with  Miriam 
In   a   drunken    stupor   still.     And    when    they 

reached 

The  eastern  shore,  on  a  rude  palanquin 
Of  oars  they  bore  her  up  the  mountain  path, 
That  upward  led  through  tangled  thorns  and 

briars, 

Often  by  crumbling  precipices  shrank. 
At  last  they  stood  before  an  ancient  rock 
That  kept  the  secret  of  a  cavern  dark. 
In  it  they  left  the  hapless  Miriam. 

Sweet  guardian  angels,  have  you  cared  for 

her? 

How  pitiful  for  one  so  young  to  die. 
Will  you  not  save  her  from  the  foul  disgrace? 
Allow  not  the  return  to  consciousness. 
May  the  sepulchral  silence  be  for  aye, 
Blackness  and  darkness  be  her  funeral  pall. 

Slowly  her  sensibilities  return. 
Was  she  entombed  alive?     Appalling  thought! 
As  in  a  dream,  her  screams  died  in  her  throat. 


34  Links  of  <$olD 

Palsied  with  fright  she  lay  in  blank  despair. 

And    then    the    faintest    light    suffused    the 

gloom, 

A  blur  as  of  a  misty  moon  appeared, 
Then  here  and  there  came  forth  a  glimmering 

star. 

The  ceiling  showed  the  nightly  firmament. 
And  all  the  cave  was  filled  with  softest  light. 

In  wonder  she  upon  her  elbow  raised, 
And  saw  that  all  the  sides  were  fashioned  like 
Dark    shadowed   woods,    with   distant    moonlit 
hills. 

The  sound  of  hollow  footsteps  on  the  pave  - 
She,  peering,  sees  it  is  the  Prince  Samar, 
And  cries,  "  O  Prince,  explain !     How  came  I 

here? 

What  place  is  this  ?     You  never  spoke  of  it. 
You  must  have  meant  it  as  a  great  surprise. 
We  sat  together  in  the  house  of  wine  — 
Is  it  enchantment?     Is  it  you,  indeed?  " 

"  Yes,  Princess,  mighty  spirits  that  obey 
King  Solomon  this  great  enchantment  raised." 

"  Where  is  the  company  ?  " 

"Why  should  we  care? 
In  Eden  there  was  only  room  for  two." 

"  When  will   the    ship   return  ?     I   must    go 
home." 

"  Why    not    enjoy    to    the    full    our    castle 

dream  ? 
This  glorious  treasure  cave  of  Solomon, 


Links  o(  ffolti 35 

Where  there  is  everything  that  wealth  can  buy  ? 
In  childhood's  wonder  tales  you  heard  it  told." 

"What   will   my    father    say?     I    must    go 
home." 

"  Gems  to  the  king  were  cheap  as  common 

stones. 

He  made  this  granite  mountain's  heart  to  throb 
With  sweetest  symphony  of  human  love. 
This  grotto  is  the  springtime  of  our  lives. 

In  here  he  did  enshrine  from  vulgar  gaze, 
Of  all  his  lovely  wives,  the  loveliest. 
And  she,  attended  by  her  eunuchs  dark, 
Lived  for  the  king  alone.     I,  Prince  Samar, 
From  her  descended,  am  the  rightful  heir 
To  this  magnificence.     And  you,  my  dear, 
The  fairest  of  the  fair,  shall  be  my  queen." 

"  No,  not  in  here.     Life  is  reality." 

"  Why  so?     The  mighty  king  transplanted 

here 

All  of  the  world's  delights.     These  granite  walls 
Bar  all  earth's  labor  and  discomfort  out. 
We  know  not  e'en  the  sympathy  of  pain." 

"  The  bitter  and  the  sour  flavor  the  sweet ; 
Even  too  constant  good  will  cease  to  please." 

"  Here  the  great  king,  wearied  with  vanities 
And  unthanked  labors  and  the  cares  of  state, 
Would  live  alone  with  one  he  truly  loved." 

She  sat  upon  the  couch  and  gazed  around; 
The  great  magnificence  her  spirits  raised. 
The  glamour  has  already  made  the  love 


36  Links  of 


Of  Judah  seem  too  plain  and  out  of  date. 

"  Princess,   you   need   refreshment,   take   my 
arm."  " 

"  I  thank  you,  Prince." 

And  so  they  came  to  where 
Great  brazen  portals  rolling  back  reveal 
The  sumptuous  dining  hall  of  Solomon. 
Huge  chandeliers  hang  up  a  thousand  lights, 
Under  them  snowy  tables  are  ablaze 
With  gold  and  silver  vessels,  cups  of  gems. 
As  they  reclined,  obsequious  servants 
Robed  in  snowy  white  served  them  with  luscious 

food 
And  vintage  rare  of  every  land  and  clime. 

The  waiters  were  automatons  ;  she  felt 
Her  loneliness.     The  more  she  ate  and  drank, 
The  more  her  appetite  and  thirst  increased. 

Then  opportunely  from  the  pavement  rose 
A  monster  Genius  as  a  towering  smoke, 
For  even  he  seemed  to  relieve  her  fear. 
He  spake  as  thunder  in  a  distant  cloud. 

"  I  am  the  servant  of  King  Solomon, 
Sent  here  to  warn  thee  of  earth's  vanities  ; 
Interpret  the  reality  of  love. 
A  conscience  or  a  monitor  I  come." 
{•'""He  placed  upon  her  plate  a  loaf  of  bread 
I  And  by  it  set  a  cup  of  water  pure. 

"  These,  Princess,  will  sustain  and  satisfy, 
When  over  sweetened,  spiced  and  flavored,  pall. 
My  royal  master  tried  them  to  the  full 


Links  of  ®olS 37 

And    found    that    love,    plain,    true,    and    un- 
adorned, 
Was  all  in  all.'^> 

Then  Prince  Samar,  displeased 
With  the  interference,  took  the  bread  away 
And  poured  the  water  on  the  marble  floor. 

Then  Miriam  reddened  with  anger,  cried, 

"  How  dare  you?     Am  I  a  child?     Can  I  not 

choose? 
Samar,  you  love  me  not.     I  will  go  home." 

"  Only  a  little  pleasantry  was  meant. 
Darling,  remember  you  are  mine  at  last. 
Indeed  I  love  you  more  than  tongue  can  tell." 

He  drew  her  to  him,  kissed  her  pouting  lips. 
A  lover's  quarrel,  as  a  summer  storm 
Soon  passed,  doth  make  the  tender  bud  to  grow. 

The  Genius,  seeing  his  lesson  had  been  lost, 
Brought  them  before  a  massive  iron  gate. 
His  outstretched  arm,  as  a  great  wind  of  cloud, 
Released  the  fastenings.     The  heavy  leaves 
Reluctant  on  their  groaning  hinges  turned, 
And  left  a  space  ten  chariots  might  pass, 
Surprised  the  dusky  armory  with  light 
That  crimsoned  on  armor  and  on  arms, 
A  red  stain  on  the  rows  of  shields  uphung, 
Helmets     and     plated     breastplates     and     the 

greaves, 

The    swords,    the   bows,    the    arrows,    and    the 
spears. 

"  The  ancient  armory  of  Solomon. 


38 Links  of  <5olD 

How  strange  that  love's  mild  influence,  which 

binds 

Heart  unto  heart,  world  unto  world,  debauched, 
Should  wield  the  cruel  enginery  of  war; 
That  fair  Lucifer,  the  morning  star  of  love, 
Should  fall  into  the  lowest  hell  of  lust, 
Murder  and  arson  and  the  crime  of  war. 
In  each  spirit  is  a  heaven  and  a  hell. 

Princess,  inhabit  the  celestial  realms, 
And  walk  no  farther  in  the  downward  course." 

"  Spirit,  the  pleasures  of  the  earth  are  given 
For  our  enjoyment;  using  them,  we  praise 
The  giver." 

"  Heed  my  warnings  ere  it  be 
Too  late." 

Again  he  brought  them  to  a  door 
Magnificent.     Two  pillars  held  aloft 
The    arch ;    ten    arms    might    only    span    their 

girth; 

Adorned  with  golden  vines  and  pomegranates, 
With    knops    and   open    flowers    and    clustered 

grapes, 

And  on  the  panels  golden  ships  sailing 
On  golden  seas. 

The  spirit  backward  rolled 
The  thundering  doors.     The  dazzling  interior 
Shone  as  a  blazing  sun,  and  in  the  midst 
Arose  the  golden  throne  of  Solomon. 
Twelve  glistening  ivory  steps  led  up  to  it. 
From  the  exalted  seat  the  wisest  king 


Links  of  <$olD  39 

Governed  the  world  and  the  spirits  of  the  deep. 

"  Princess,  the  glory  makes  thee  shrink, 
And  yet,  at  my  command,  ascend  the  throne 
And  sit  in  judgment  on  thine  inner  self." 

When  she  was  set,  with  fluttering  heart,  she 

watched 

The  towering  spirit  as  he  held  aloft 
The  golden  balances  on  which  the  souls  of  men 
Are  weighed.     And  then  he  took  a  heavy  book 
And  laid  it  on  the  high  suspended  disk, 
Then  a  great  nugget  of  bright  yellow  gold 
He  placed  thereon,  and  then  a  flaming  sword. 
And  now  between  his  thumb  and  finger  took 
A  tiny  crystal  that  appeared  to  be 
No  larger  than  a  tear.     Beside  this  gem 
They  did  not  seem  to  have  a  feather's  weight. 

"Judge  ye!" 
"  A  grain  of  love  outweighs  them  all." 

"  Then  give  it  not  for  them." 

"  Why  not  have  them 
And  love  also?  " 

"  Not  now.     Between  them  thou 
Must  choose.  (Oh,  learn  before  it  is  too  late. 
Before  thee  lies  the  vale  of  sin's  delight, 
Turn  back  with  me  before  it  is  too  late."^ 

"  Not  now.     There's  time  enough.     Trouble 

me  not 
With  ghostly  warnings,  marring  my  delights." 

"  Now  is  the  time.     I  cannot  give  thee  up. 
I  follow  thee  as  long  as  there  is  hope." 


40  Links  of 


This  time  they  stand  before  a  solid  wall. 
The  Genius  stamps  his  foot  —  an  earthquake 

shook 

The  earth,  the  rocks  were  rent.     She  saw  a  light 
Shine  through  a  narrow  crevice  in  the  rock. 
"  Princess,  peer  through  and  tell  us  what  thou 

see'st." 
"  I   see   great   rows   of  jars   heaped   full   of 

gems; 

There  are  high  piles  of  gold  and  silver  coin, 
And  there  are  stacks  of  polished  ivory, 
And  every  kind  of  precious  merchandise." 

"  Thou  see'st  the  treasure  of  King  Solomon. 
For,  wise,  he  knew  too  much  was  worse  than 

want, 

And  therefore  hid  it  in  the  mountain's  heart. 
He  called  them  vanity  of  vanities." 

"  And  yet  he  fain  would  keep  them  while  he 

lived. 

And  I,  as  everyone,  would  wish  to  try 
Their  vanity." 

The  spirit  darkening  said, 
"  Covet  them  not  ;  thou  art  as  near  to  them 
As  thou  shalt  ever  be. 

Oh,  come,  once  more 
I  would  avert  thy  doom." 

She  followed  him, 

Although  she  knew  not  why,  and  came  unto 
A  narrow  door  and  low.     A  feeling  strange 
Came  over  her.     She  heard  the  spirit  say, 


Links  of  aoID  41 

"  This  door  must  needs  be  passed  upon  thy 

knees."  tfcfc^  ft^^fjU  - 
By   some   strange   influence   they  bowed   them- 
selves 

And  passed  within  and  saw  an  altar  built 
Of  unhewn  stones,  and  on  it  undisturbed 
Lay  the  white  ashes  of  the  sacrifice. 
Through  the  dim  crypt  the  softened  light  ap- 
peared 

To  fill  their  souls  with  a  religious  awe. 
As  Miriam  by  the  rustic  altar  kneeled, 
The  spirit  raised  his  arms  as  if  to  bless. 
She  saw  his  giant  shadow,  as  a  cross, 
Deepen  the  gloom,  and  felt  a  nameless  dread. 
She  knew  not  then  the  meaning;  afterward 
She  knew. 

The  prince  just  then  lifted  her  up, 
And  led  her  through  a  wide  and  open  gate. 
The  way  was  very  smooth,  and  the  descent 
Grew  ever  steeper  as  they  thoughtlessly 
Passed  on,  until  they  reached  a  caverned  stream, 
Whose  glassy  surface  never  knew  a  breeze. 

They  saw  a  boat  for  two,  that  lay  unmoored. 
With  careless  gayety  they  stepped  therein, 
Nor  did  they  notice  when  the  undertow 
Silently  carried  them  far  from  the  shore, 
And  that  the  phosphorescent  light  grew  dim, 
And  they  were  being  carried  swiftly  down 
Toward  a  caverned  grot  in  the  fronting  rocks. 
Into  it  the  raging  waters  dashed  and  roared, 


42 Links  of  e>olD 

Rushing  her  down  into  a  dreadful  doom, 
The  swirl  of  evil  when  restraint  is  past. 

Too  late!     Too  late!     Seven  demons  in  her 
soul  Jltstr***^  _  frfa   ki+t**  * 
Mock  at  her  wasted  opportunities. 

The  boat  was  flung  against  the  jutting  rocks 
And  rocked  and  turned.     The  ways  of  evil  when 
The  conscience  is  not  wholly  dead  often 
Are  rough  and  hard,  but  not  more  dangerous 
Than  when  it  lies  in  false  security: 
For  now  the  battered  boat  leaped  to  the  stream 
Of  false  delight. 

The  waters  seem  so  still  and  smooth, 
Shadowing  the  beauty  of  the  flowery  banks 
That  where  it  leads  she  neither  thinks  nor  cares ; 
And  here  temptation  is  most  dangerous. 
Flowers  of  the  most  deadly  poison  grow 
In  the  fair  garden  of  a  false  delight. 

Soon  Miriam  with  Prince  Samar  reclined 
Upon   the   grassy   bank.     He   held   her   lovely 
hand. 

"  Darling,  let  us  enjoy  this  paradise. 
Here  Spring,   Summer,  and  Autumn  reign  as 

one. 

The  sun  kisses  their  beauty  into  life ; 
The  birds  in  melody  their  loves  declare ; 
The  fair-lipped  flowers  breathe,  in   sweet  per- 
fume; 

The  generous  trees  offer  golden  fruit, 
And  vines  their  clusters  of  delicious  wine. 


JLinb0  of  aolD  43 

See  purpling  clouds  hang  on  the  mountain 

walls, 
For  all  this  glory  is  for  thee  and  me. 

Here  on  this  bed  of  aromatic  spice 
The  fairest  and  the  wisest  once  reclined, 
But  thou  art  fairest  of  the  fair,  my  queen." 
"  Dear  Prince,  you  say  your  queen.     When 

came  I  so  ?  " 

"  Princess,  when  love  united  us  as  one." 
"  To  join  our  lives  there  must  be  something 

more. 

My  father's  holy  office  will  a  sanction  give. 
How    long    have    we    been    here?     I    must    go 

home." 

"  Not  long.     Another  day  has  just  begun." 
"  Let  us  return.     My  father  will  forgive. 
Our  marriage  will  be  solemnized  at  home." 
"  Love  is  alone  the  sacred  marriage  tie, 
And  ceremony  may  not  add  to  it. 
Darling,  while  we  are  in  this  vale 
Why  may  we  not  enjoy  its  happiness, 
Unmarred  by  the  intrusion  of  the  world?  " 

Nearby   two    plants   flaunted   their   crimson 

bloom 

And  with  intoxication  filled  the  air. 
One    was    LOVE'S    PLEADING;    one    was    LOVE'S 

DESIRE. 

Their  mingled  odor  stupefies  the  will, 
And  an  unholy  passion  stimulates. 


44  Links  of 


The  first  with  kisses  and  a  fond  embrace 
He  gave  to  her,  and  she  the  other  plucked, 
And  both  placed  in  her  bosom  thoughtlessly. 

Oh,  might  some  angel  write  in  lurid  flame 
Above  the  door  of  hell,  "  BEWARE  !     BEWARE  ! 
THE  UNION  or  PERSUASION  AND  DESIRE." 


With  character  and  reputation  gone, 
Miriam  is  now  the  poorest  of  the  poor, 
For  she  has  been  deceived,  ruined,  and  robbed; 
The  precious  jewel  of  her  soul  is  lost. 

She  tore  the  fatal  blossoms  from  her  breast. 
The  valley's  pleasures  only  taunted  her  ; 
The  love  songs  of  the  birds  were  a  mockery  ; 
The  golden  fruits  were  ashes  to  the  taste; 
The  wilted  grapes  held  sour  and  bitter  wine  ; 
The  withered  flowers  exhaled  a  sickening  smell  ; 
The  clouds  hung  threatening  on  the  mountain 
walls. 

With  drooping  wings  her  angels  fly  to  heaven. 
Seven  devils  take  possession  of  her  soul  ; 
She  is  despised,  deserted,  unforgiven  — 
For  sympathy  is  least  where  needed  most. 
The  guilty  judge  with  least  of  charity 
Another's  guilt.  /,    &  it*  £a~i  /Mb   j 
A  voice  accosted  her, 

"  Miriam." 

"  O,  it  is  you,  good  Zogbarak." 

"  Where  is  the  loving  prince?  " 

"  I  know  not  where." 


Link0  of  <5olti 45 

"  His  honied  words  have  wiser  ones  deceived. 
You  have  already  more  than  you  can  bear  — 
I  will  not  chide." 

"  Leave  me  alone  to  die." 

"  And    if    I    should  ?     With    wishing,    death 

comes  not, 
At  least  not  soon  enough." 

"  Not  soon  enough?  " 

"  Too  slow  at  least  to  suit  your  enemy." 

"Who?     Who?" 

"  No  other  than  your  loving  Prince." 

"  Devil !     He  shall  be  dead  before  I  am." 

"  Would  you  kill  him?" 

"  Yes,  like  a  poisonous  snake." 

"  He  sent  me.     Either  you  or  I  must  die." 

"  Then  I  will  die.     Strike  here,  for  my  of- 
fense 

Is  of  the  heart,  and  by  its  crimson  blood 
Atonement  shall  be  made.     Why  hesitate?  " 

"  Bitter,  bitter  thy  fate,  O  Miriam ! 
This  world  is  by  one-sided  justice  ruled. 
The  sin  is  laid  upon  the  weaker  one,}          t  ^""    I. 
She  has  to  bear  the  world's  uncharity^   ***** 
The  greater  is  forgiven,  the  lesser  damned. 
Be  brave,  I  cannot  bear  to  see  thee  weep. 
Princess,  where  is  thy  short  lived  courage  gone? 
Rouse  thee  as  a  fierce  tigress  brought  to  bay." 

"  Too  late !     Too  late !     To  think  I  trusted 

him! 
And  there  is  nothing  left  of  life  for  me. 


of 


Torture  me  not,  but  quickly  make  an  end  — 
No,  kill  the  villain.     I  will  live,  so  I 
Can  repay  treachery  with  treachery. 
Your  seeming  nearest  friend  you  cannot  trust. 
There's  not  a  grain  of  truth  in  all  this  world. 
Spare  me  to  haunt  the  shadows  of  the  night, 
To  lie  in  wait  for  the  unwary  feet, 
To  ruin  them  with  a  deceitful  love." 

"  O  beautiful,  once  happy  Miriam, 
Beloved  of  many  and  admired  of  all, 
Envy  could  not  have  wished  thee  greater  harm. 
Now  thou  dost  weep.     I  pity,  pity  thee." 

The  once  enchanted  stream,  turgid,  and  foul, 
Flows  at  her  feet  down  to  oblivion. 
She  threw  herself  into  the  stygian  flood. 
Zogbarak  from  destruction  rescued  her. 
She  sank  upon  the  shore  in  limp  despair. 

"  Oh,  let  me  die  and  go  to  mine  own  place ; 
Earth  is  unmerciful  and  heaven  too  pure. 
Oh,  pity  me." 

"Pity?     So  I  do. 
For  of  a  thousand  only  one  escapes." 

"  No,  I  am  lost,  forever  lost." 

"  Come  then." 

He  led  her  trembling  steps  to  a  deep  gorge; 
Across  it  stretched  a  single,  swaying  strand; 
Up  from  the  dark  and  bottomless  abyss 
The  stifling  vapors  of  despair  ascended. 

"  Have  you  the  courage  to  attempt?  — 

"Afraid? 


Link0  of  eolD 47 

Try  it.     They  who  have  nothing  cannot  lose. 
Your  sheltering  home  is  on  the  other  side." 

"  I  will.     O  God,  sustain  thy  wayward  child." 

"  To  keep  your  balance  look  not  far  ahead, 
Nor  ever  backward,  nor  aside,  nor  down, 
Heed  not  the  jeering  mockery  below, 
Lest  fear  should  make  your  trembling  limbs  to 

fall. 

Loiter  not,  neither  hasten  overmuch ; 
One  step  will  courage  for  another  give. 
And  if  the  Gods  have  further  need  of  you 
They  will  assistance  give.     And  at  the  worst 
Oblivion  may  be  the  longed-for  heaven 
Of  tortured  souls.     Once  on  the  other  side, 
Look  down  upon  the  shimmering  sunlit  sea, 
I  will  be  waiting  for  you  on  the  shore." 

Will,  that  was  wilfulness  when  in  the  wrong, 
Carried  her  safely  o'er  the  awful  chasm. 

When  she  awakened  from  her  sodden  dream, 
Strong  Zogbarak  brought  her  at  early  dawn 
Across  the  sea,  and  to  her  castled  home. 
There  she  abode  until  the  days  and  nights 
Grew  wearisome ;  the  ever  ceaseless  round 
Of  daily  duties  grew  monotonous ; 
Lonesomeness  came.     Judah  had  not  been  seen 
Since  that  distressing  night.     The  silent  sea 
Might  only  know  the  secret  of  his  grave. 
Caius  was  transferred  to  Jerusalem. 
She  dare  not  even  think  about  Samar. 
She  could  not  bear  the  quiet  of  her  home. 


48  Links  of 


The  hardness  of  her  guiltiness  returned, 
And  she  would  be  revenged  of  her  own  fault. 

Miriam,  the  wanton,  in  her  chamber  sat 
In  the  castled  tower  that  overlooks  the  sea. 
By  sin  her  youthful  gayety  had  lost, 
Like  a  cut  flower,  the  freshness  of  its  bloom. 
She  read  the  missives  of  her  sinful  loves 
Unblushingly.     And  one  she  read  and  kissed. 

"  Oh,  dear,  the  sweet  young  Tyrian  Prodigal, 
His    father    scrimped    and    saved    to    give   him 

wealth 

That  only  ruins  him  in  wasting  it. 
And  have  I  not  the  devil's  own  excuse, 
'  Others  will  get  his  wealth  and  why  not  I?  ' 
I  like  him  best,  he  is  the  easiest  ; 
Better  than  Antipas,  the  miserly 
Old  reprobate  —  he  wants  his  diamond  ring  ; 
I  stole  it  from  his  finger  yesternight. 

Oh,  dear,  I  have  no  time  to  think  of  all. 
Like  the  summer  candle  I  will  singe  their  wings. 

Zoa,  come  here,  look  at  this  purple  robe. 
Is  it  not  beautiful  ?     Zidarian, 
The  Tyrian,  presented  it.     He  is  rich. 
He  gives  me  more  than  I  would  ask  of  him." 

"  And  he  is  of  a  short  acquaintance  too." 

"  A  week  ago  his  caravan  arrived. 
I  smiled  at  him  as  he  came  by  the  tower, 
Threw  kisses  from  my  finger  tips,  and  he 


Links  of  aoID  49 

Returned    the    smile     and    kisses  —  we    were 

friends." 

"  And  you  were  perfect  strangers  !     Miriam, 
How  could  you  ?  " 

"  I  can  tell  them  by  their  looks. 
He  had  a  roving  eye.     I  knew  he  sought 
A  liaison." 

"And  you?" 

"  I  snared  the  youth." 
"  What  brings  him  here  just  now?  " 

"  The  Carnival. 

This  night  on  Geber  hill  is  to  be  held 
The  vernal  festival  of  Ashtoreth. 
They  go  to  worship  her,  the  queen  of  love." 
"  Yes,  love !     Only  a  trysting  place  for  lust." 
"  Rightly,  for  that  is  all  there  is  of  love, 
And  is  inconstant  as  the  changeful  moon, 
Her  ruling  orb.     She  now  is  full  and  bright, 
When  darkness  would  be  more  appropriate." 

"  O  Miriam,  why  break  your  father's  heart? 
He  loves  you  as  the  jewel  of  his  life. 
You  might  be  warned  this  time,  but  you  will 

not." 

"  I  did  not  say  that  I  would  go  with  him." 
"  No,   neither   did   you   promise  you   would 

not." 

"  And  if  I  did,  I  would  not  be  believed." 
"  O  Miriam,  it  is  an  awful  place." 
"  No,  the  rites  are  beautiful,  the  music  grand. 


50  Links  of 


Could  you  but  hear  the  Tyrian  orchestra!  " 
"  The  rites  are  sensual  idolatry." 
"  What  if  they  are?     Our  fathers  worshiped 

calves." 

"  Only  as  emblems  of  the  one  true  God." 
"  Then,  Zoa,  why  not  in  the  lovely  moon 

Worship  the  loving  nature  of  our  God?  " 
"  Not  with  such  sinful  ceremonials." 
"  Yes,  over-righteous  Pharisee,  you  think 

That  none  are  good  but  the  sober  and  the  sour. 

Are  not  our  good  things  given  to  enjoy? 

Father  and  you  would  have  me  stay  at  home, 

In  moody  meditation  and  in  prayer, 

And  only  reading  in  his  tiresome  books. 

Why  does  the  youthful  heart  pulse  with  warm 
blood, 

The  eye  sparkle,  the  supple  limbs  exult  ; 

Are  they  not  for  a  happy  purpose  given? 

I  mean  to  thank  the  giver  of  my  joys, 

Enjoying  them." 

On  that  ill-fated  night 
When  Judah  had  been  left  adrift,  alone 
And  helpless,  until  hope  was  almost  dead, 
A  passing  ship  sighted  the  lonely  boat, 
And  taking  Judah  up,  went  on  its  way 
Unto  a  distant  port.     And  here  he  stayed 
Until  a  vessel  sailed  for  Magdala. 

Arrived,  he  mourned  for  Miriam  as  lost 
In  the  far  cave  in  Ammon,  and  ashamed 


Links  of  (golfr si 

Of  the  weak  part  that  he  had  played  and  lost, 
He  left  the  pier  at  night,  and  wandering, 
Mused  in  deep  melancholy  through  the  scenes 
Where  they  had  often  walked. 

Beside  the  road 

That  leads  into  the  country  from  the  tower 
There  stood  an  ancient  olive  tree,  knotted 
And  gnarled  and  wise  in  the  sweet  secret  lore, 
Soft  nothings,  dear  to  every  lover's  heart. 
Rapt  in  sweet,  tender  memories  he  stood 
In  the  deep  shadows  of  the  olive  old. 

Two  youthful  figures  in  the  moonlight  walk, 
Intent  upon  themselves,  they  pass  him  by. 
He  fears  that  they  will  hear  his  beating  heart, 
So  much  one  made  him  think  of  Miriam. 
Oh,  could  it  be?     He  knew  it  could  not. 
Who  the  other?     Flushed  with  sudden  jealousy, 
He  followed  them,  hiding  in  shadows  dark, 
Across  the  fields  and  up  the  steep  hillsides, 
Into  the  shadowy  grove  of  Ashtoreth. 

A  solitary  harp  entranced  the  night 
With  golden  melody,  tender  and  sweet  — 
Then  as  the  distant  mourning  of  the  dove, 
Or  far  off  lonely  shepherd's  pipe,  a  flute 
Interpreted  the  solitude  of  love, 
Pathetic  sighing  of  the  longing  soul. 

Far  out  upon  the  eastern  horizon 
A  silver  rim  of  light  appeared,  then  grew 
And  upward  rose  into  the  full-orbed  moon. 


52  Link0  of 


The  music  of  a  hundred  instruments 
Greeted  the  coming  of  the  queen  of  night. 
Upon  the  knoll  a  solitary  maid, 
Clothed  in  the  lustrous  samite  of  the  moon, 
Sang  clear  and  sweet  an  ancient  song  of  love. 

"  Oh,  come,  oh,  come  to  me,  my  love, 
As  the  lovely  queen  of  the  night 
In  majesty  rides  up  the  heavens 
Full  orbed  in  light. 

Oh,  come,  oh,  come  to  me,  my  love, 
When  the  headlands  silvered  are, 
And  the  moonlight  on  the  sea 
Shimmers  afar. 

Oh,  come,  oh,  come  to  me,  my  love, 
With  the  love  light  on  thy  brow. 
There  is  no  one  in  all  the  world 
As  fair  as  thou. 

Oh,  come,  oh,  come  to  me,  my  love, 
Oh,  come  in  the  beautiful  night 
And  worship  our  glorious  queen 
With  love's  delight." 

A  troup  of  nymphs  tripped  on  the  grassy  knoll, 
Mantles  of  gauze  together  were  upflung, 
Their  motions  were  like  wafting  butterflies. 
"  O  Eros  !     Eros  !     Eros  !  "  loud  the  cry. 
A  winged  boy  with  quiver  on  his  back, 
Running,  shot  aimless  arrows  here  and  there; 


Links  of  aolE 53 

The  blushing  maidens  all  invite  the  wound. 
Judah  was  startled  by  a  burst  of  sound ; 
Loud   drums   were  booming,   fiercely   trumpets 

blared, 

Wild  harps  were  stranging,  dulcimers  intoned, 
The  cymbals  clashed,  the  weird  pipes  piercing 

shrilled. 

At  this  the  maidens  in  wild  tumult  ran, 
Their  white  forms  dodging  through  the  shadowy 

aisles, 
And    young    men    chased    them    as    pursuing 

hounds. 

Judah   thought  one   of  them,   although   dis- 
guised, 

Resembled  Miriam  and  followed  her. 
Beyond  a  turn  she  sprang  behind  a  bush 
As  if  to  escape,  and  then  fearing  she  would, 
Sprang  out  into  the  moonlit  path  again. 
Over  her  shoulder  glancing  she  beheld 
Something  that  made  her  look  again  and  again. 
Better  to  see  she  stopped  and  turned  around. 

Then  from  a  side  aisle  ran  Zidarian 
And  caught  her  arms. 

"  Aye,  Sweet,  waiting  for  me?  " 
And  then  another  claimed  her  as  his  prize. 

"  Young  man,  let  go  of  her.     She  is  my  own. 
Let  go,  I  say." 

"  Not  so,  old  reprobate." 
"  O,  ho,  young  prodigal,  I  say  you  shall." 
"  She  loves  you  not." 


54  Links  of 


"  She  has  my  diamond  ring." 

"  Give  him  his  ring." 

"  Young  thief,  I  will  have  both." 

"  Old  villain,  go  ! 
She  loves  you  not,  and  she  shall  keep  the  ring." 

So  thus  they  pushed  and  strove,  all  to  her 

shame. 
Zidarian,  his  hand  upon  his  breast,  cried  out, 

"  Oh,  I  am  killed.     He  stabbed  me  !     I  am 
killed!" 

A     crowd    was     gathered.     Miriam     slipped 

away 
And  hurried  down  the  hillside  to  her  home. 

Though     Judah     feared,     these     revelations 

came 

To  him  as  an  unexpected  lightning's  flash, 
And  yet  he  followed  her,  he  knew  not  why, 
And  overtook  her  at  the  tower  gate, 
And  coming  to  her  spake  her  name,  "  Miriam," 
A  world  of  sorrow  in  a  single  word. 

With  brazen  acting  she  ignored  his  pain. 
Like  as  a  bird,  caught  in  the  fatal  net, 
Beateth  its  wings  against  the  cords  in  vain, 
So  oft  by  circumstances  are  we  bound. 
Her  gayety  entangled  her  the  more. 

"O  Judah,  dearest  Judah,  is  it  you?" 
He  gave  his  hand. 

"  That  all?     No  kiss  for  me?  " 

"  You  tremble,  Miriam." 

"  Let  us  go  in." 


Links  of  <£>olti  55 

"  Have  you  a  key  ?  " 

"  Yes,  here  it  is.     Be  quick." 

Judah,  strangely  impelled,  went  in  with  her. 
Fearing  to  trust  her,  he  retained  the  key. 
She  led  him  through  the  dark  and  silent  halls 
Into  the  open  court.     A  lover's  heaven  it  was 
And  is,  but  now  it  only  mocks  his  pain. 

"  My  dearest  Judah,  on  this  very  seat 
We  pledged  our  troth  forever  and  for  aye. 
What  now?     None  of  my  kisses  you  return? 
You  are  so  cold,  do  you  not  love  me  still? 
What  of  the  golden  future  that  we  planned?  " 

"  Miriam,  these  must  you  answer  for  your- 
self. 

The  hour  is  growing  late  and  you  are  safe, 
So  I  must  go." 

"  You  did  not  hasten  once ; 
And  after  we  so  long  have  mourned  you  dead." 

"  Still  dead,  for  I  was  living  in  your  love 
Alone." 

"  Why,  I  have  never  loved  but  you. 
Dearest,  I  want  to  hear  where  you  have  been." 

For  fear  that  he  might  be  discourteous 
And  give  her  further  pain,  he  only  said, 

"  I  cannot  now  explain.     Let  us  part  friends. 
At  early  morn  I  go  to  Bethany." 

"  '  Part  friends !     Part  friends ! '     How  dare 

you  utter  it! 

Father  was  wise;  your  vows  are  brittle  things, 
And  never  will  I  trust  a  man  again." 


56  Links  of 


V  "  Miriam,  our  love  truly  was  born  in  heaven. 
Still  in  my  morning  and  my  evening  prayers 
A  vision  of  thyself  shall  come  to  me, 
And  I  shall  plead  with  God  for  you  by  name.'V" 

"  And  shall  I  only  live  in  your  poor  prayers  ? 
Once  I  was  rich  in  love.     Now  must  I  beg 
A  little  crumb,  one  only  sad  request; 
Pledge  me  in  consecrated  wine  to  keep 
A  sacred  chamber  in  your  heart  for  me 
Until  I  die." 

Then  she,  not  waiting,  brought 
Two  silver  cups  of  sparkling  ruby  wine. 

Now  Miriam  always  in  her  bosom  wore 
Two  crystal  amulets.     In  one  there  was 
The  pollen  of  the  crimson  Tammuz  flower 
That  rouses  ardent  passion  in  the  blood. 
She  deftly  dropped  the  powder  in  the  cup, 
Silently  praying  to  the  queen  of  love; 
She  gave  it  graciously  into  his  hand  ; 
And  he  with  heedless  folly  drank  of  it. 
The  pain  of  parting  was  like  death  to  him.  v 
But  she  by  many  arts  sought  to  detain     ^T 
His  going  till  the  powder  had  effect. 

He  hastened  toward  the  caravansary. 
Alone,  his  pent  emotions  burst  in  tears. 
Oh,  the  exquisite  pain  of  hopeless  love. 

Miriam  in  her  chamber,  desolate, 
Sat  staring  at  the  floor.     And  he  was  gone  ! 
Her  vanities  and  sins  came  trooping  up 
Like  sheeted  ghosts  to  mock  and  frighten  her. 


Littfeg  Of  <S>olD  57 

In  frenzy  she  resolved  to  end  her  life. 

With  trembling  hand  she  from  her  bosom  drew 

The  pearly  casket  of  the  deadly  drug, 

The  light  gray  poison  of  the  Taanach 

That  kills  by  slow  degrees  like  a  disease. 

EMPTY  ! ! !  —  Aghast       she      looked      again  — 

again  — 

The  dread  suspicion  made  her  gasp  for  breath. 
She  seized  the  other  charm  and  opened  it, 
And  lo!  the  Tammuz  pollen  still  was  there. 

"  I    poisoned    him !     I    poisoned   him ! "    she 

screamed, 
And  sank  upon  the  couch  benumbed  with  fear. 

"  Oh,  I  have  murdered  him,  and  he  is  gone !  " 
She  sobbed,  holding  her  forehead  in  her  palms. 

"  Oh,   he   is   gone !  "     She   sprang  upon  her 

feet 

And  ran  into  the  hall  and  down  the  stair 
And  through  the  gate  into  the  great  highway. 
Far  off  she  saw  the  caravansary. 

"  God  of  my  father,  grant  he  may  be  there." 
She  watched  to  see  the  camels  coming  forth, 
And   sometimes    thought    they    were,   but    run- 
ning in, 
She  saw  only  the  caravanier  and  cried, 

"  0  keeper,  has  the  caravan  gone  ?     Oh !  " 

"  Some  time  ago." 

"  Went  anyone  from  here  ?  " 

"  Yes,  a  young  man,  a  scribe,  I  think  he  was." 

"  Oh,  he  is  gone ;  I  must  run  after  him." 


58  Link0  of 


"  No,  no,  it  is  the  very  fleetest  line." 

Then   Miriam   reeled   as    if   she   would  have 

fallen. 
Zoa  came  in,  rushed  breathlessly  to  her. 

"  Princess,    why    came    you    here,    and    you 

alone?  " 

"  Hinder  me  not,  the  caravan  has  gone." 
"  Zidarian's,  you  mean?     Be  glad  of  it." 
"  I  did  not  recognize  the  Princess.     No, 
She  means  the  travelers'." 

"  Oh,  he  is  poisoned  — 
Will  die  ;  I  only  know  the  antidote  — 
Bring  me  the  fleetest  camel.     I  must  go." 
"  Princess,  you  cannot  go  alone." 

"  I  must." 

The  keeper  fearing  she  had  lost  her  mind, 
"  Go  then,  prepare  yourself." 

"  Come,  let  us  go." 

And  Zoa  led  her,  dazed  and  muttering, 
Back  to  her  chamber  in  the  gloomy  tower. 
Pacing  the  floor  she  laughed  and  cried  and 

shrieked 

And  often  threw  herself  upon  the  couch, 
Weeping  as  though  her  heart  would  break,  then 

fell 
Into  a  staring  silence,  muttering, 

"  Here,  here,  O  Judah,  is  the  antidote. 
Take  it,  take  it,  or  it  will  be  too  late." 
"  What  is  the  matter,  child?  " 
"  And  who  are  you  ?  " 


Links  of  ®olD 59 

"  Zoa.     You     are     asleep.     Darling,      you 

dream." 

"  Lost !     Lost !  " 

"  Waken.     You  are  at  home  and  safe." 
"Lost!     Lost!" 

"  Oh,    look    not    so  —  can    you    not   under- 
stand? " 
"  It  is  too  late !     Too  late !     Too  late !     Too 

late ! " 

A  servant  roused  the  sleeping  patriarch. 
Half  dressed,  he  came  and  kneeled  beside  the 

couch, 

Gently  he  placed  his  arm  beneath  her  head ; 
Tenderly  smoothed  her  wild,  disheveled  hair. 
He  forced  an  outward  calm  to  quiet  her. 

"  Be    calm !     Thy    father   loves    his    darling 

child." 
She  nestled  closer  in  his  snowy  beard. 

"  Father,  what  are  the  seven  devils'  names  ?  " 
"  Oh,  speak  not  so.     My  daughter  need  not 

know. 

Why  dressed  this  way  at  such  a  time  of  night?  " 
"  Yes,  I  must  know.     See,  they  are  after  me. 
One,  two,  three,  four,  five,  six,  seven,  all  here. 
The  seventh  is  the  ugliest  of  all. 
They  grin  at  me.     What  right  have  they  to 

scoff? 
Want  you  my  heart  ?     Ha !     Ha !     I  have  no 

heart. 
Sold  it  for  nothing.     No,  I  am  not  yours. 


GO  Links  of 


False  devils,  you  begrudge  me  happiness. 
Back  to  your  fiery  hell,  leave  me  alone. 
O  father,  pray  your  God  to  drive  them  back." 
He  answered  not,  but  whispered  to  the  maid, 
"  Send  by  the  fleetest  runner  for  the  priest, 
Old  Zephani.     Tell  him  to  come  in  haste. 
Tell  him  the  devils  have  escaped  from  hell  — 
She   must   have    sleep  —  bring   here   the   lotus 

fan  —  " 
"  You  need  not  whisper.  .  Pray,  oh,  pray  for 

me. 

Oh  !     Oh  !     The  horrid  devils  come  again, 
Are  in  my  heart.     They  tear  me  so  !     You  need 
Not  pray  —  too  late  !  " 

Old  Zephani,  the  priest, 

Came  in.     The  father  watched  his  countenance, 
To  read  the  faintest  sign  of  hope. 

"  Good  priest, 

Heal  her,  and  I  will  make  thee  more  than  rich." 

"  Most  noble  patriarch,  what  time  did  this 

Come   on  her?     What  would   seem  to   be  the 

cause  ?  " 
"  Only    to-night.     The    cause    we    do    not 

know." 

Old  Zephani  took  Miriam's  nervous  hand, 
Looked  steadfastly. 

"Daughter,  what  troubles  thee?" 
"  Can  you  not  see  them  ?     One,  two,  three, 
four,  five, 


Links;  of  <$old  6i 

Six,  seven.     What  is  in  that  package,  priest?  " 
That  is  the  very  powder.     Give  it  here." 

"  That  is  the  ashes  of  the  sacrifice. 
What  didst  thou  think  it  was  ?  " 

"  They  tear  me  so." 

"  What  canst  thou  know  of  this  ?  " 

"  I  know !     I  know ! 

Murder!     Murder!     It  is  the  Taanach. 
I  knew  it  was  —  and  he  has  gone  from  me. 
Come  back  and  love  me  as  before.     Oh,  come. 
Why  do  I  beg?     Devils,  you  are  to  blame. 
So  swift  the  camel's  pace.     Come  back!     Come 
back !  " 

"Who  come?" 

"  See  them  go  up  and  down  the  hills. 
How  bright  the  moon !     0  lovely  Ashtoreth ! 
Ha !     Ha !     They  were  not  hard  to  catch,  were 

they? 
Who  said  I  could  not  go  alone?  " 

"  Didst  thou?  " 

"  The  sweetest  song  of  all  was  thee  and  me." 

"  Of  course  the  *  thee  '  was  one  who  loved." 
So  he  unraveled  from  the  tangled  skein 
The  common  thread  of  unrequited  love, 
Or  thought  he  did.     It  might  be  tragedy. 
He  took  a  powder  lighter  than  the  air  — 

"Blow!     Blow!     Waft!     Waft!     On   every 

breeze. 
Seek  him !     Find  him !     Wherever  he  may  be, 


62  Links  of 


On  hill,  in  dale,  on  desert,  or  on  sea  ; 

Through  fire,  through  flood,  impelled  by  ardent 

love, 
Bring  him  as  to  the  loadstone  flies  the  steel." 

"  He  thought  to  buy  my  love  with  gems  and 

gold, 

In  sacks  and  jars  and  with  a  throne  of  gold. 
Oh,  shun  the  tempting  valley  of  delight. 
The  sparkling  river  freshens  it  with  joy, 
But  farther  down  the  noisome  deluge  pours 
Over  a  roaring  precipice.     Help  !     Help  !  " 

Old  Zephani  drew  down  his  furrowed  brow. 
Taking  a  drop  of  blood  fresh  from  the  heart 
Of  a  sacrificial  lamb,  he  made  a  cross 
Above  her  fluttering  heart. 

"  Wipe  it  off,  quick  ! 

Blood  !     Blood  !     Oh,  his  own  precious  blood. 
Devil,  out  of  my  sight!     You  lie!     You  lie! 
Some  wine.     Put  poison  in  it  if  you  will. 
Oh,  I  will  die  !    Some  wine  !    Some  wine  !    Some 


wine: 


t  » 


"  Servant,  a  drink  of  water  bring.     Princess, 
Here  is  a  cup  of  water  fresh  and  cool." 
She  threw  the  offered  water  in  his  face. 

The  priest,  disgusted,  drew  the  patriarch 
Aside  and  said, 

"  Thy  daughter  is  possessed 
Of  earthborn  devils.     They  are  hard  to  move, 
Since  some  are  fair  and  by  the  will  are  held, 
And  they  the  very  wickedest  bring  in. 


Links  of  aoIB  63 


Thy  daughter  has  a  secret  history, 

And  one  by  one  the  devils  came  to  her, 

The  fairest  leading  in  the  horridest  — 

They  cannot  be  cast  out  against  the  will. 

But  should  there  be  a  change,  then  call  for  me." 

And  when  the  priest  had  borne  all  hope  away, 
The  father  threw  himself  upon  the  floor, 
And  as  an  oriental  rent  his  clothes, 
And  tore  his  hair,  and  wept  as  any  child, 
With  screams  and  cries.     There  was  a  din  of 

shrieks, 

Pleading  with  a  God  of  passions  like  themselves, 
Or  else  with  vain  and  futile  bargaining. 

"  O  God,  O  God,  hear  prayer! 
Oh,  turn  away  the  fierceness  of  thy  wrath. 
Oh,  be  not  angry  with  me.     Save  my  child. 
Thine  altar  shall  not  want  for  sacrifice. 
Have  pity,  Lord,  hear  prayer,  hear  prayer  — 
Oh,  she  is  growing  worse,  is  growing  worse." 

The  patriarch  sank  in  dumb  despair. 
Ben  Israel,  a  faithful  servant,  came, 

"  Patriarch,    forgive    thy    faithful    servant's 

words. 

There  is  a  youthful  prophet  even  now 
Upon  the  street  beneath  the  tower  walls, 
Who  by  the  power  of  God  healeth  disease. 
Devils  of  every  kind  are  exorcised. 
Father,  may  it  not  be  a  providence 
That  he  is  near  at  such  a  time  as  this?  " 

"  Oh,  hear  her  cries." 


64 Links  of  <S?oID 

"Shall  I  not  call  him  in?" 

"  Is  he  the  apostate  Jew?  " 

"  Of  David's  line." 

"  What    can    he    do    where    Zephani    hath 
failed?" 

"  His  power  is  great." 

"  O  God,  hear  thou  her  cries. 
A  Jew  —  No  more  of  him !     O  God !     O  God !  " 

"  Then  prejudice  is  more  than  love  or  life." 

"  Oh,  bring  him  if  ye  must." 

"With  such  a  call?" 

"  Go,  bring  him  in." 

"  I  think  he  will  not  come." 

"  Then  here  is   gold,  pay   what  he   asks   of 
thee." 

"  He  never  yet  has  done  a  work  for  pay." 

"  Make  him  a  gift." 

"  He  cannot  be  deceived." 

"  Then    what   does    he   require  ?     My    child ! 
My  child!" 

"  Only  that  you  believe."  fjl^M^  TJjA  t 

"  He  may  save  her.     Oh,  haste,  Ben  Israel." 
The  hours  dragged  their  tardy  length  along. 
The  lamps  were  lighted  in  the  ancient  hall. 
The  patriarch  started  up  at  every  sound. 
And  still  the  messengers  no  answer  brought. 
Impatient  waiting  stimulated  faith. 

At  last  was  heard  the  sound  of  many  feet. 
The  prophet,  followed  by  the  multitude, 


JLinfes  of  <$olD  65 

Came  to  the  outer  gates.     And  yet  alone 
The  father  led  him  to  the  haunted  room. 

The  wailing  ceased  and  all  expectant  stood. 
Jesus  spake  no  word ;  the  silence  grew  intense. 

The  eyes  of  Miriam  were  riveted 
Upon  that  countenance,  fair  as  the  sun, 
Framed  in  the  golden  locks  of  early  morn. 
He  spake  the  silent  language  of  the  soul, 
Of  hope  and  love  and  future  worthiness, 
Not  of  her  weak  and  sinful  past  at  all. 
She  would  confession  make,  there  was  no  need; 
If  he  forgives,  her  sin  has  lost  its  sting. 
Remorse  may  wreak,  but  never  can  atone. 
Her  all  must  be  her  only  sacrifice. 

FORGIVEN  !     FORGIVEN  !     Rang  in   her   rap- 
tured heart. 

O  golden  love,  thy  silent  influence 
Can  sweetly,  surely,  change  the  human  heart 
And  life  with  potency  as  natural 
As  is  the  sunshine  on  the  budding  rose 
That  has  been  raised  out  of  the  damp,  dark 

mold 

To  blossom  in  the  garden  of  the  Lord. 
How  strange  our  tears  express  our  highest  joy, 
Sparkle  of  dew  upon  the  fringe  of  morn, 
They  are  the  sign  of  reason's  glad  return. 
Her  Savior  said,  "  She  sleeps,  awake  her  not." 
Her  spirit  floated  on  a  sea  of  peace, 
A  welcome  calm  after  the  awful  storm.  ^  y 


66  Links  of 


Her  breath  came  softly  as  the  summer  breeze. 
Some  souls  like  hers  are  born  in  throes  of 

pain; 

Some  pass  into  the  life  of  Heavenly  love 
Not  knowing  how  nor  when,  their  love  sincere. 

Her  father  followed  Jesus  to  the  hall. 
Clasping  his  knees, 

"  All  that  I  have  is  thine." 
^"  Yea,   thou   hast   rightly    said,   for   she  is 

mine. 

And  mine  is  thine,  and  thine  is  mine.     Truly 
In  giving,  love  the  richer  doth  become. 
Her  golden  love,  henceforth,  forevermore 
Shall  be  the  richest  treasure  of  the  earth." 
Then  Jesus  passed  into  the  press  below\ 

The  fame  of  what  was   done  spread   every- 

where, 

And  coming  to  the  ears  of  Prince  Samar, 
He  for  the  first  time  knew  she  had  escaped 
The  cave.     He  trembled  at  the  thought  of  it, 
And  sent  for  Zogbarak. 

"Hail,  chieftain." 

"  Hail." 

"  Heard  you  the  news  ?  " 

"  What  news,  O  Prince  Samar?  " 

"  That   Princess   Miriam  is   at  home   again. 
You    told    me    that    she    was    destroyed.     Ex- 
plain." 

"  I  know  not  how  it  is,  O  Prince,  unless 


Links  of  <$olD  67 

The  Galilean  prophet  raised  her  up." 

"  I  did  not  hear  of  that ;  I  only  heard 
That  he  had  cast  seven  devils  out  of  her." 

"  She  had  that  many  anyhow,  I  think. 
Over  the  towering  mountains  that  surround 
The  Garden  of  Delight  she  soared  away." 

"  And  how  was  that  ?     You  said  she  was  de- 
stroyed." 

"  I  left  the  devils  to  accomplish  that." 

"  I  have  a  mission  that  will  try  your  skill. 
Bring  Miriam  to  me  alive  or  dead, 
And  I  will  give  you  gold  would  sink  a  ship. 
Diamonds  in  handfuls  you  shall  have,  and  in 
A  palace  you  shall  live  with  her  you  love. 
Zoa  is  a  princess  of  the  ancient  line 
Which  ruled  while  Israel  was  Egypt's  slave. 
What  a  reward  for  such  an  easy  task ! 
You  know  the  seaward  passage  to  the  tower; 
Your  lady  love  upon  the  princess  waits." 

"Zoa  loves  Miriam." 

"What  matters  that? 
She  does  not  owe  this  woman  anything, 
Not  even  mercy.     They  usurped  your  land 
And  robbed  your  homes  to  make  your  people 
slaves." 

"  They    claim    that    devils    for    the   prophet 
work." 

"  The  sly  fanatic  has  grown  tired  of  her, 
And  has  departed  to  Jerusalem. 
He  means  to  try  to  make  himself  a  king, 


68  Links  of 


But  he  shall  not  if  I  have  gold  enough 

To  buy  the  priests  and  the  weak  governor. 

Jesus  and  Caius  in  Jerusalem  — 

Your  task  is  easy.     Bring  her  here  to  me." 

"  She  loves  the  Galilean,  then,  you  think." 

"  I  know  she  means  to  sacrifice  herself 
Upon  that  necromancer.     One  who  knows 
Says  that  she  trudged  the  hot  and  dusty  roads, 
Mingling  with  the  low  scum  that  followed  him, 
And  smelled  their  fishy  clothes  and  garlic  breath, 
And  waited  on  him  with  her  queenly  hands, 
Begged  as  a  favor  that  he  would  receive 
Her  sacrifice,  and  every  little  want 
She  would  anticipate." 

"  She  loves  him  then." 

"  When  he  did  go,  she  followed  him  in  tears. 
Now  from  these  morbid  follies  we  must  save." 

"  What  earnest  can  I  have  of  the  reward?  " 

"  This  diamond  would  a  city  buy.     Take  it, 
Take  it,  merely  a  tithe  of  the  reward." 

"  You  must  receive  her  on  the  open  lake, 
Alone." 

"  Just  as  you  say." 

"  At  the  ninth  hour." 

"To-night?" 

"  To-night." 

"  Ah,  noble  Zogbarak, 

Now  are  you  wise.     Bring  her  to  me  alive, 
And  I  her  latest  lover  then  will  be." 

"  Her  last,  at  least." 


Links  of  <£oiD  69 

"  Hearken,  I  have  a  plan. 
Because  it  pleases  him  she  so  much  loves, 
She  mingles  with  the  poor  and  sick  and  low. 
Tell  her,  with  every  piteous  circumstance, 
Of  one  down  in  the  flats  who  calls  for  her. 
Offer  to  take  her  there.     Once  on  the  sea, 
The  way  is  plain." 

"  I  cannot  bear  to  use 
Her  goodness  for  a  bait.     I  have  a  way, 
Trust  me  for  that." 

"  Well,  bring  her  in  any  way. 
To-night  at  the  ninth  hour,  in  open  sea, 
Meet  me  a  half  league  east  of  Magadan. 
Laden  with  your  reward,  I  come  alone." 

The  robber  gained  an  entrance  to  the  tower. 
Woe  to  the  lamb  when  the  wolf  is  in  the  fold ! 

Good  Zoa  took  the  visit  to  herself, 
And  said, 

"  My  dear,  you  do  not  seem  yourself  to-night. 
What  has  gone  wrong  with  you?  " 

"  May  have  rowed  too  fast." 

"  Something  is  wrong.     You  often  promised 
me—" 

"Is  Miriam  at  home?" 

"  She  is.     What  then? 
Again  will  something  dreadful  happen  her?  " 

"  Darling,  my  promise  shall  be  now  fulfilled, 
And  you  shall  in  a  palace  dwell  secure, 
And    fair    young    maidens    shall    attend    your 
steps." 


TO  Links  of 


"  Miriam  says  'tis  nobler  far  to  serve 
Than  to  be  served." 

"  Then  she  will  go  with  me. 
There  is  a  needy  woman  down  in  the  flats, 
Who  piteously  pleading  calls  for  her." 

"  She  cannot  go  to-night,  but  I  will  go. 
To-morrow  we  go  up  to  Bethany." 

"  But  then  she  calls  for  her,  and  only  her." 

"  You  talk  so  very  strangely,  Zogbarak. 
Something  is  on  your  mind  you  dare  not  speak." 

"  Call  her  ;  the  princess  must  go  down  with 
me." 

"  '  The  princess  must,'   you  say.     Then  she 

must  not. 
There  is  a  base  conspiracy  somewhere." 

"  In  this  you  love  me  not,  nor  love  yourself, 
Are  inconsistent,  wish  to  change  my  life, 
And  then  refuse  my  opportunity. 
You  are  the  princess  of  a  royal  line, 
And  yet  you  meekly   drudge,   and   serve  your 

enemy. 
Also  your  words  mean  certain  death  to  me." 

"  Ah,  now  I  see.     You  have  the  princess  sold 
To  that  rich  libertine.     Think  not  of  it, 
Or  God  will  smite  you  with  His  thunderbolt. 
You  surely  do  not  know  her  as  she  is 
Or  you  would  strike  him  down  who  did  but  speak 
A  word  in  her  dispraise.     Once  she  was  fair, 
But  now  is  beautiful.     She  knows  no  race 
Nor  place,  but  loves  each  individual  soul. 


Littfe$  Of  <$oHl  71 

Her  every  act  unselfish  kindness  breathes. 

She  knows  the  evil,  but  the  good  adores. 

There  is  not  wealth  enough  in  all  the  world 

To  buy  a  lovely  character  like  hers. 

Knowing  Samar  —  but  then  I  will  not  chide." 
"  Oh,  say  no  more,  or  I  will  hate  myself. 

Here,  take  my  dagger,  stab  me  to  the  heart." 
"  Such  hate  has  promise  of  a  nobler  life." 
"  I  will  go  slay  Samar  or  else  be  slain." 
"  Neither.     There  is  a  nobler  thing  to  do. 

Mary,  the  blessed  mother  of  our  Lord, 

Is  with  the  princess,  for  she  loves  her  well. 

To-morrow  we  go  up  to  Bethany. 

Jesus  is  there.     They  mean  to  make  him  king. 

There  is  an  ancient  armor  in  the  hall 

Will   fit   your  limbs,   also    a   giant   spear   and 
shield. 

Thus  armored  you  may  join  the  royal  guard,     • 

The  glorious  army  of  the  new-made  king." 
"  A  wicked  wretch  like  me?  " 

"  He  came  to  save. 

Beneath  a  rough  exterior  you  have 

A  noble  soul." 

"  Would  he  forgive  my  past?  " 
"  His  mission  is  to  save  us  from  our  past." 
"  Trust  me,  I  will  be  loyal  to  his  cause." 
And  so  it  was,  while  yet  the  morning  star 

Hung  o'er  the  slumbering  sea,  they  sallied  forth. 

Zogbarak  in  that  ancient  armor  clad 

Went  on  before,  a  figure  wondered  at, 


72  Links  of 


In  all  the  world  the  first  great  Christian  knight. 

Miriam,  with  Mary,  mother  of  our  Lord, 
And  Zoa,  on  their  patient  palfreys  rode. 

At  eve  they  wound  into  a  valley  deep, 
Through  it  gurgled  a  stream  of  water  cool, 
Fed    by    a    mountain    spring.     Here    they    en- 

camped. 

Beside  it  Zogbarak  set  up  their  tent, 
Around  and  in  it  they  were  gathered  close. 
But  he  himself  nearby  kept  watchful  guard; 
For  he  had  seen  signs  that  he  did  not  like. 

The  silent  hours  wore  on.     His  nerves  grew 

tense. 

A  little  pebble  rolled  down  the  steep  path, 
As  though  some  foot  above  had  loosened  it. 
He  braced  his  foot,  his  heavy  spear  in  poise, 
And  waited  breathlessly.     A  crouching  man 
Comes  toward  the  tent  —  O  heaven  speed  the 
aim  ! 

The  giant  spear  thrown  as  a  thunderbolt 
Sent  him  to  earth,  as  falls  a  riven  pine. 
The  chieftain  recognized  dreaded  Samar. 
Knowing  the  signal  code  he  took  command, 
Ordered  the  robber  band  in  full  retreat. 

Then  having  cleared  the  valley,  he  came  back 
Where  Miriam  and  blessed  Mary  knelt, 
Tenderly  nursing  the  sore  wounded  man. 

"  Princess,  you  surely  know  not  who  he  is." 

"  Nor  care,  since  he  is  sorely  needing  aid." 


Links  of  <S5olD  73 

"  Were  he  not  stricken  down,  he  would  not 

have 
Pity  on  you.     Leave  him  alone  to  die." 

"  Undo  the  breastplate,  noble  Zogbarak. 
The  helmet  now.  Be  quick,  he  must  have  air." 

Then  seeing  who  he  was,  she  gave  a  gasp 
And  would  have  gone  away,  but  love  divine, 
Such  as  the  Master  taught,  soon  brought  her 

back. 

She  took  her  silken  scarf  and  tried  to  staunch 
The  pulsing  blood. 

"  Bring  water,  Zogbarak." 
He  ran  down  to  the  stream,  and  dipping  deep 
His  iron  helmet,  brought  it  dripping  full. 
She  washed  his  wound  and  bathed  his  fevered 

face. 

Seeing  his  life  was  ebbing  from  his  wound, 
"  Samar,  may  God  forgive  you,  as  I  do, 
Even  your  greatest  wrong.     Oh,  pray  to  him." 

There  was  a  look  in  his  fast  glazing  eyes 
That  made  her  think  that  he  at  last  had  prayed. 
As  a  last  sacrament,  she  dipped  her  hand 
In  the  pure  water,  less  pure  than  was  her  heart, 
"  May  God  forgive  and  cleanse  your  heart 

from  sin." 

Baptismal  drops  fell  from  her  finger  tips 
Upon  a  dead  white  face. 

They  buried  him 

In   the   lone   vale   that   night.     At   morn   they 
passed 


74  ,     Lfnfeg  Of 


Forward  into  the  great  highway  that  leads 
From  Syria  down  to  Jerusalem. 

The  giant  in  his  armor  ever  found 
An  open  way  through  the  great  crowds   that 

pressed 

On  foot,  on  camels,  and  on  asses,  toward 
The  gathering  to  the  yearly  Passover. 

On  the  fifth  day  they  came  to  Bethany. 
The  women  rested  in  the  sheltered  home 
Of  Simon,  bowered  in  cool  shrubbery. 

Impatient  Zogbarak  with  the  multitude 
Rushed  down  the  moving  sides  of  Olivet, 
Across  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat, 
And  up  the  crowded  sides  of  Zion's  hill, 
In  time  to  see  Jesus,  seated  upon 
An  ass's  colt,  pass  through  the  city  gates. 

"  Hosanna  !  "     troops     of    leaping    children 

cried. 
"  Hosanna  to  the  king  of  Israel  !  " 

Their  pretty  acclamation  did  no  harm  ; 
But  the  seditious  Zogbarak  was  barred, 
The  heavy  gates  were  closed  before  his  face. 
Upreaching  his  enormous  spear,  he  pushed 
The  Roman  eagle  from  its  lofty  perch. 

"  Come  on,  ye  men,  let  us  tear  down  the  gates. 
Before  his  face  the  walls  and  towers  shall  fall. 
Jesus  is  king,  and  he  shall  reign  until 
Your  enemies  are  underneath  his  feet." 

A  wall  of  Roman  spears  surrounded  him. 
Like  a  wild  jungle  beast  he  stood  at  bay, 


Links  of  <$olD  75 

Then  like  a  catapult  he  thrust  his  spear. 
Many  before  his  fury  bit  the  dust, 
Ere  they  by  numbers  overpowered  him. 
Manacled,   they   led   him    through    the   jeering 
throng. 

"Who  is  this  giant  robber?  "  many  cried. 
One  answered,  "  Barabbas."  And  afterward, 
"  Barabbas,  the  robber,"  he  was  always  called. 

Jesus  in  barren  triumph  pressed  his  way 
Even  as  far  as  to  the  temple  gate, 
In  silence  viewed  the  desecrated  courts, 
Then,  sadly  turning,  passed  the  outer  gate, 
And  walked  to  his  retreat  in  Bethany, 
Where  welcome  greetings  always  waited  him, 
And  on  this  night  a  loving  mother's  kiss 
And  the  pure  hearted  Miriam's ;  and  yet 
Something  bore  heavily  upon  him  now, 
He  needs  must  be  alone  to  think  of  it. 

Miriam  without  intrusion  silently 
Into  his  presence  stole.     She  hungered  for 
Communion  sweet  of  soul  with  loving  soul, 
So  sacred,  spoken  words  are  sacrilege. 
He  turned  his  face  merely  to  recognize 
Her  presence.     Over  his  countenance 
There  passed  the  shadow  of  a  somber  cloud. 

"  O  dearest  Lord,  what  is  it  troubles  thee?  " 

"  My  kingdom  is   from  heaven,  not  of  this 

world. 

To-day  how  empty  was  authority 
Without  compelling  power.     And  even  now 


76 Links  of 


Their  loud   acclaim   is   changed   to   murderous 

cries. 

There  are  those  that  go  about  seeking  my  life." 
"  They  cannot  harm.     Thou  art  the  Son  of 

God." 

"  All  power  is  given  me  in  heaven  and  earth ; 
And  yet  I  may  not  use  it  for  myself." 

"  Then   will   we   save   thee   from   their   cruel 

hate." 

"  The  Son  of  Man  shall  go,  but  woe  to  them 
By  whom  he  goes." 

"  Escape  to  Galilee, 
Or  to  the  wilderness." 

"  It  may  not  be ; 

I  came  to  do  my  Father's  will  alone." 
"  Master,  Master,  we  will  deliver  thee." 
"  Plainly,  I  shall  be  crucified  of  them, 
But  on  the  third  day  I  shall  rise  again." 

"  Then,    Savior,    may   we   share   thy   suffer- 
ing? " 

"  Ye  know  not  what  ye  ask,  and  yet  ye  shall." 
Martha  announced  that  supper  waited  them; 
Miriam,  stunned  with  sudden  grief,  went  not. 
Kneeling  with  upstretched  hands,  she  tried  to 

pray. 
She  could  not  comprehend  the  awful  words, 

"  Plainly,  I  shall  be  crucified  of  them." 
In  answer  to  her  tearful  prayer  for  help 
She  heard,  "  The  third  day  I  shall  rise  again." 


Links  of  (gold rr 

"  Shall  rise !  "     He  shall  be  dead  and  buried, 

then! 

Strange  was  the  aberration  of  her  grief; 
She  would  anoint  him  now  for  burial. 

Trembling,  into  the  supper  hall  she  came, 
And  unseen  crept  along  the  outer  aisle, 
To  where  the  loving  Savior  was  reclined. 
Breaking  a  precious  alabaster  box, 
She  poured  the  sweet  perfume  upon  his  head 
And  on  his  feet,  and  washed  them  with  her  tears ; 
And  kissing  them,  she  wiped  them  with  her  hair, 
In  sorrow  as  if  he  were  in  his  grave. 

Judas  added  the  burden  of  rebuke. 
Jesus  saw  the  abandonment  of  love. 

In  passionate  ascent  her  spirit  spurned 
The  cold  and  calculating  facts  of  time 
And   bathed    its    wings    in    truth's    unhindered 
gleam. 

Each  day  at  early  dawn  Jesus  went  forth, 
And  in  the  Jewish  temple  taught  and  healed. 
Each  evening  he  would  turn  his  weary  steps 
Toward  the  sweet  quiet  home  in  Bethany, 
Where  loving  ministry  awaited  him. 
And  ever  hung  the  shadow  on  her  heart. 
His  footfall  had  familiar  grown  to  her. 
She  always  with  refreshment  waited  him, 
Fresh  water  from  the  spring  or  cooling  fruit. 

It  was  an  hour  late.     He  had  not  come. 
The  weary  hours  wore  on.      She  often  rose 


78 Links  of  @olD 

And  looked  into  the  night.     The  stars  told  her 
Midnight  had  passed.     Oh,  what  had  happened 

him ! 
She    feared    the   worst.     No   longer   could    she 

wait. 

No  thought  of  self,  she  went  into  the  street, 
And  thinking  only  of  his  love  and  loss, 
She  followed  to  the  crown  of  Olivet. 
She  scanned  the  path  where  he  was  wont  to  walk, 
And  shrinking  saw  the  shadows  of  the  vale, 
And  followed  up  the  sides  of  Zion's  hill 
On  which  the  temple  in  the  moonlight  sat. 
She  saw  the  altar  fires  were  smoldering, 
And  fitful  flashed  their  lights  into  the  pall 
Of  smoke  that  hung  above  the  silent  courts. 

She  found  no  answer  to  her  anguished  cry. 
Her  desolation  felt  a  sudden  fear. 
She  was  alone  and  would  have  run,  but  saw 
A  man  burst  from  the  shadows  running  up 
The  path.     She   could  not   go ;   she   must   not 

stay. 
At  last  he  stood  before  her  in  the  way. 

"  Thomas,  it  is  —  Oh,  where  is  he?     Breath- 
less ? 
Speak  but  one  word  and  tell  me  where  he  is." 

"Arrested—" 

"  Say  not  that.     Oh,  say  not  that ! 
Where?     When?" 

"  Gethsemane  —  Gethsemane." 

"  And  you  had  only  time  to  get  this  far. 


Links  oC  ®olt! 79 

Where  would  they  take  him?  " 

"  To  the  High  Priest's  house. 
One  of  them  said  he  would  be  crucified." 

"  The  High  Priest  has  no  power.     No,  they 

will  go 
To  Pilate.     We  must  go  and  rescue  him." 

"  Impossible.     It  would  be  dangerous." 

"  But  he  would  freely  give  his  life  for  us. 
To  Pilate's  house.     We  must  go  down  to  Pi- 
late's house. 

He  will  not  save  himself,  but  has  not  yet 
Forbidden  us  to  save  him." 

"  How  can  we  ?  " 

"  And  if  I  show  you,  will  you  go  with  me  ?  " 

"  I  will." 

"  Here  is  a  little  golden  charm. 
Within  it  are  engraved  the  characters, 
The  pledge  of  royal  friendship,  love  and  truth. 
The  order  was  begun  by  Solomon. 
These  characters  have  made  and  unmade  kings. 
Pilate  has  one  of  these.     This  fortinal 
Will  bring  release.     Christ  is  of  royal  blood. 
Now  let  us  haste." 

"  Now,  maiden,  follow  me. 
It  was  a  strange  mysterious  influence 
That  made  us  leave  him  in  his  hour  of  need. 
Keep  close  to  me,  look  strange  at  everything, 
Like  we  were  strangers  in  Jerusalem." 

Only  a  mile,  and  yet  the  road  seemed  long. 
At  last  they  reached  the  city  gates,  and  then 


so  Link0  of 


More  tedious  were  the  narrow,  crooked  streets, 

Crowded  with  a  confusing  multitude. 

And  as  they  would  have  passed  the  High  Priest's 

house, 

The  doors  flew  open  and  a  band  of  men 
Came  out,  and  there  was  Jesus  in  their  midst. 
She  gave  a  startled  cry  ;  Thomas  restrained. 
Jesus,  bound  and  insulted,  was  alone 
Serene.     The  great  confusion  caused  delay. 
John,  his  disciple,  followed.     Seeing  her, 

"  Princess,    thou    art    in    danger   here.     Es- 

cape !  " 
"  Where  are  they  taking  him  ?     He  must  be 

saved." 
The  rabble  shouted, 

"  To  Pilate  he  must  go  ! 
He  shall  be  crucified.     The  blasphemer  !  " 
Then  Miriam, 

"  Oh,  we  must  be  there  first." 
And  John  replied, 

"  I  know  a  shorter  way." 
"  Go  on,  and  we  will  follow  thee." 

And  when 

They  came  into  a  street  was  quieter, 
John  told  her  of  the  trial  as  they  walked. 
"  All   uncondemned   they   smote    him    in   the 

face, 

Spit  their  vile  frothing  spittle  in  his  face. 
He  like  sacrificial  lamb  stood  still 
In  mutest  innocence,  until  Caiaphas 


Links  of  (gold 81 

Came  haughtily  and  roughly  questioned  him, 
'  What  is   it  these  against  thee,  witness  ? 

Speak.' 

'  Hereafter  ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  Man 
Descending  with  his  angels  out  of  heaven.' 
'  Hear  ye  his  blasphemy ;  it  is  enough. 
What  further  need  is  there  of  witnesses? 
Take  him  to  Pilate  to  be  crucified.'  " 

When  Miriam  to  Pilate's  palace  came 
She  stepped  into  the  court  magnificent, 
The  pavement,  the  Gabatha  of  the  Jews. 
Before  the  outer  doors  grim  sentinels 
Forbidding  stood.     Her  heart  began  to  sink. 
Haste  always  meets  with  greatest  obstacles. 

A  messenger  soon  brought  an  answer  back, 

"  Welcome,  the  kneeler  at  the  mystic  shrine." 

When  Miriam  in  fear  was  ushered  in, 
Bowing,  she  lowly  clasped  the  jeweled  feet 
Of  Claudia  Procula,  wise  and  fair. 
The  queenly  one  lifted  the  princess  up, 
Of  her  received  the  golden  fortinal, 
And  read  the  talismanic  characters. 

"  Princess,    what    urgency    doth    bring    thee 
here?  " 

"  To  save  the  life  of  Jesus  have  I  come. 
The  men  are  bringing  him  to  Pilate's  court ; 
They  clamor  for  his  life." 

"  What  has  he  done?" 

"  Nothing  but  good.     Oh,  Mistress,  save  his 
life." 


82  Links  of 


"  Of   what    do    they    accuse    him,    then,    my 
dear?  " 

"  Of  blasphemy.     He  claims  to  be  the  Son 
Of  God." 

"  Which  one  of  the  immortal  gods?  " 

"  Of  God  himself.     With  Pilate  intercede. 
They  will  be  coming  soon." 

"  By  this  our  pledge, 
I  send  this  letter  to  the  Governor. 

Now  come  with  me  into  our  balcony. 
Here  we  can  see,  and  can  be  little  seen. 
Look  thou,  the  eunuch  has  my  message  given. 
How  Pontius  frowns  as  he  is  reading  it. 
He  never  liked  the  Jewish  priests  at  best, 
And  will  release  the  God  Man  if  he  can." 

"  O  hear  !     They  come  !     That  horrid,  howl- 

ing mob  ! 

There!     There   he   is!     Behold,   the   Lamb   of 
God!" 

"  See  how  serenely  he  ascends  the  steps. 
Pontius  receives  him  standing  as  befits. 
He  will  release  him,  Princess,  do  not  fear. 
He  must.     Oh,  how  I  suffered  in  a  dream  ! 
The  city  was  in  flames,  the  temple  walls 
Fell  down  and  in  the  crash  I  heard  the  shrieks 
And  cries  of  dying  men.     White  skeletons 
Ran  jibbering  through  the  flame  and  smoke. 
It  was  the  vengeance  of  this  demigod. 

Look  down.     The  rabble  rage  like  hungry 
wolves, 


Links  of  <$olD 83 

Are  howling  for  his  blood.     What  is  it  stirs 
Their  enmity?     He  never  did  them  harm. 
He  healed  their  sick,  healed  even  some  of  them. 
They    stand    without.     They    dare    not    come 

within 

Or  they  would  be  defiled.     Pontius  goes  out 
Upon  the  gallery." 

"  Oh,  hear  them  cry, 

*  CRUCIFY  HIM  !    CRUCIFY  HIM  !    CRUCIFY  HIM  ! ' 
Yet  he  refuses  to  defend  himself." 

"  You  tremble,  dear.    Pontius  goes  out  again. 
They  shout, 

*  HE   TRIES   TO   MAKE   HIMSELF  A  KING  ! 
C^SAR  IS  KING.      WE  HAVE  NO  KING  BUT  CAESAR  !  ' 

They  will  obey  the  scepter  if  it  is 

A  sword.     O  Pontius,  dost  thou  hesitate !  " 

"  Oh,  they  are  scourging  him  with  cords,  oh ! 

oh! 

That  cruel  soldier  has  a  crown  of  thorns ; 
He  strikes  it  down  upon  his  bleeding  head." 

"  Pontius,  Pontius,  do  not  let  them  kneel 
In  mockery.     He  is  more  than  a  king. 
A  broken  reed  for  scepter,  shame!  oh,  shame! 
That  faded  purple  robe  —  oh,  take  it  off ! 
Thy  prisoner  through  the  debased  disguise 
Looketh  more  kingly  than  the  kingliest." 

"  Mistress,  why  do  your  people  treat  him 
so?" 

"  Brutality.     In  earnest  shall  they  kneel. 
0  boasted  Roman  justice!     Pilate  knows 


84  Linb0  of 


The  man  is  innocent.     O  Man  Divine, 

0  Jesus,  Son  of  Jove,  hear  thou  my  prayer. 
Spare  Pilate  in  the  fierceness  of  thy  wrath; 
These  wicked  men  are  more  to  blame  than  he." 

"  They      cry,      '  BARABBAS  !  '      '  BARABBAS  !  ' 

'  BARABBAS  !  ' 

Oh,  hear  their  cries  !     *  If  thou  lettest  Jesus  go, 
Thou    art    not    Caesar's    friend.     Caesar    shall 

know. 
Give  us  Barabbas.     Jesus  crucify  !  '  : 

"  Pontius,  there  is  no  need  to  wash  thy  hands' 
,   Oceans  of  water  will  not  cleanse  the  stain. 
•   Wash  them,  wash  them,  eternally  thou  shalt, 
\  And  crimson  are  they  still." 

Miriam  sank  down 

And  gripped  her  eyes  to  dull  the  awful  sight. 
The  place  grew  still.     Jesus  no  more  was  there. 
Out  in  the  street  the  tumult  could  be  heard. 

"  Princess,  my  awful  dream  will  come  to  pass. 
He  suffers  them  to  fill  their  cup  of  wrath." 
"  Where  are  they  taking  him  ?  " 

"  To  Golgotha." 

"  O  Claudia  Proculla,  dearest  friend, 
This  hour  of  friendship  will  eternal  be. 

1  thank  thee  in  the  name  of  Christ  for  this, 
But  I  must  follow  him  even  to  death, 

If  such  it  be.     Farewell." 

"  Princess,  farewell. 

And  when  the  blow  shall  fall,  remember  me  and 
mine. 


Links  of  <$olD  85 

A  false,  weak  policy  has  ruined  us." 

Without,  Mary,  the  mother  of  the  Lord, 

Mary  Salome,  and  the  faithful  John, 

Waited  impatiently  for  her  to  come. 

The  dolorous  procession  passed  along. 

John  knew  a  passage  through  the  High  Priest's 
grounds ; 

Through  this  they  hastened  to  another  street, 

And  saw  the  sad  procession  coming  up 

The  steep  and  stony  way. 

With  loosened  rein 

Rode  Caius  Marcus,  the  centurion, 

His  helmed  head  bowed  low  in  troubled  thought. 

A  trumpeter  behind  him  shouted  loud, 

"  Hear  ye !     Hear  ye !     Jesus  of  Nazareth 

Is  now  to  crucifixion  being  led, 

For  treason  to  the  Roman  Emperor." 

/"'Then  followed  Jesus  —  oh,  most  pitiful  — \ 
/On  his  poor  purple  welted  back  he  bore 
I  The   rough   and   heavy    cross.     The   crown   oy 
thorns 

At  every  step  jarred  on  his  aching  head. 

The  Roman  guards  with  scourges  urged  him  on ; 

Also  two  thieves  bearing  their  crosses  came ; 

After  them  walked  those  thirsting  for  his  blood 

In  exultation.     Roman  soldiers  marched 

On  either  side  to  keep  the  people  back 

With  curses  and  with  blows. 

The  word  is  passed, 
"  Jesus  has  fallen  underneath  the  cross." 


86  Links  of 


The  women  crowd  by  soldiers  and  by  priests, 
Nothing  but  death  can  stay  their  frenzied  rush. 
Mary,  his  mother,  fell  upon  her  knees, 
Clasping  his  upturned  face  ;  and  Miriam 
With  silken  kerchief  wiped  the  bloody  sweat, 
And  lifted  tenderly  the  crown  of  thorns. 
Did  Jesus  pay  her  with  a  feeble  smile? 
She    thought    he    did.     A    soldier    struck    the 

thorns 

Deeper.     Caius  heard  commotion  strange, 
Turning  he  pressed  his  heavy  charger  back, 
Through  the  excited  multitude,  to  where 
Jesus  was  lying  in  the  dusty  street. 
A  soldier  pressed  the  pleading  women  back. 

"  Roman,  be  kind   for  your  dear   mother's 

sake, 

Or  the  sweet  maiden  that  loves  you.     I  know 
You  hate  these  men,  and  they  are  insolent. 
This  man  has  never  uttered  a  complaint. 
Do  what  your  discipline  requires,  no  more. 
This  is  an  awful  time  at  best.     I  fear 
The  vengeance  of  his  God." 

Miriam  turned 
With  outstretched  arms  and  palpitating  heart. 

"  Noble  centurion,  save  him,  oh,  save  !  " 

He  looked  into  her  wide  appealing  eyes, 
And  felt  the  compliment  of  confidence. 

"  Princess,  the  gods  know  that  for  thy  sweet 

sake 
I  would.     But  why  should  I,  when  he  will  not  ?  " 


Link0  of  <DolD  sr 

Her  only  answer  was  her  sobs  and  tears. 
Fearing  that  he  had  rudely  wounded  her, 
He  left  his  charger  and  came  nearer ;  said, 

"  Be  calm.     He  waits  his  opportunity. 
I  will  do  all  I  can.     Men,  raise  him  up." 

"  He  cannot  bear  the  cross  another  step." 

"  He  shall  not  try.     Here,  man,  what  is  your 
name  ?  " 

"  Simon." 

"  What  is  your  nationality?  " 

j  j 

"  Cyrenian."     A,  Jr^W 

"  Then  you  shall  bear  his  cross. 
A  Roman  will  not.     Yet  I  envy  you 
The  privilege.     Indeed,  indeed  I  do. 
Come      on.     Soldiers,      make      way      for      us. 

Strangely 

Man's  nature  is  more  cruel  than  the  beasts. 
He  tortures  for  the  pleasure  it  affords, 
Crowds  to  the  gruesome  and  the  barbarous. 
I  would  not  see  this  were  I  not  compelled." 

The  sad  procession  winds  the  rocky  way, 
And   outward   through   the  gate   of  judgment 

crushed, 

Across  the  open  to  Golgotha's  hill. 
The  mourning  women  went  not  up,  but  stood 
Where  they  could  see  what  they  would  rather 

die 

Than  see ;  and  his  disciples  also  stayed. 
Jesus  must  bear  his  sufferings  alone, 
Denied  his  mother's  tender  ministry, 


88  Link*  of 


Or  word  or  company  of  loving  friends. 

Miriam  whispered  to  the  disciple  John, 

"  Go   tell   that   soldier   I   would   speak  with 

him." 
The  soldier  came. 

"  Roman,  how  may  I  speak 
To  the  centurion  ?  " 

"  You  cannot  now." 

"  I  must.     Tell  him  that  Miriam  would  speak 
To  him." 

She  slipped  a  coin  into  his  hand 
And  promised  more.     Soon  Caius  Marcus  came. 

Miriam  threw  herself  upon  her  knees, 
In  wild  abandon  was  her  veil  thrown  back, 
With  all  the  eloquence  of  grief  she  pled 
As  a  last  hope,  a  last  despairing  cry, 

"  O  Caius,  Caius,  Caius,  save  Jesus  now, 
A  moment  more  and  it  will  be  too  late." 

He  looked  at  her  as  if  an  angel  spake. 

"  I  will  though  Rome  should  fall  and  I  be 

crushed." 
Then  he  bethought  himself, 

"  They  have  him  bound, 
Those  ministers  of  hell,  the  rabble  horde 
The  people  in  the  hottest  ferment  keep. 
With  gold  the  wicked  Prince  Samar  supplies 
They  bribe  the  soldiers  to  their  cruelty  ; 
And  in  the  awful  tempest  they  have  raised 
Words  of  command  are  blown  out  of  my  mouth. 
Heaven  knows  I  pity  him.     What  can  we  do?  " 


Links  of  <$olti  89 

"Too  late!     Too  late!     See!     The  crosses 

rise ! 

Oh,  how  he  suffers  !     Oh !     Caius,  go  back, 
Give  him  this  wine  and  myrrh  to  drink.     It  will 
A  little  dull  his  awful  suffering." 

"  I  will,  for  that  is  all  we  can  do  now. 
If  he  were  taken  down,  he  would  be  maimed 
And    wounded    unto    death.     The    air    seems 

strange, 

The  heavens  red  with  portent  and  the  earth 
Silently  waiting  in  a  dread  suspense." 

He  took  the  cup,  and  with  it  rode  away. 

And  then  old  Doctor  Zephani  came  up. 
Impiously,  with  mocking  deference, 
He  first  addressed  the  mother  of  the  Christ, 

"  Virgin,  is  that  thy  son  ?     Virgin,  bid  him 
Come  down." 

The  wretch  then  made  a  trumpet  with  his 

hands, 
Shouting, 

"  Thy  virgin  mother  bids  thee  come. 
If  thou  art  able  we  will  worship  thee. 
Thou  comest  not.     Ha !     Ha !     The  cords  are 

tight. 

The  nails  are  driven  through  thy  hands  and  feet. 
Now,  impudent  blasphemer,  get  them  free." 

To  shield  the  blessed  mother,  Miriam 
Stood  silently  between  her  and  the  wolf. 

"  Oho !     Here  is  another  of  the  kind. 
Thou  art  no  longer  Princess  Miriam, 


90  Links  of 


But  thou  art  sinful  '  Mary  Magdalene.' 
Yes,  that  is  good.     How  did  I  think  of  it? 
It  has  a  scarlet  sound.     A  '  Magdalene  !  ' 
He  cast  seven  devils  out  of  thee,  I  hear. 
There  must  have  been  as  many  more,  or  else 
They  all  came  back." 

Her  heart  wound  was  too  deep 
For  other  wound  ;  she  only  saw  the  awful  cross, 
And  heard  the  tumult  on  Golgotha's  hill. 

"  Answereth  thou  not  ?     Hath  a  dumb  devil 

too? 
Listen  to  me,  thou  *  Mary  Magdalene.'  ' 

He  who  was  now  Barabbas  named  drew  near, 
And  towering,  stood  before  the  railing  man. 

"  What  name  was  that  you  called  her,  dog?  " 

"  Robber  Barabbas,  what  is  that  to  thee? 
Know  thou  I  called  her,  '  Mary  Magdalene.' 
Dost  thou,  too,  love  the  witching  murderess  ?  " 

"  Kneel  down  upon  your  callous   knees,   old 

man, 
Or   I   will   smite   thee  with   my   sword.     Kneel 

down. 
Ask  pardon  of  the  Princess  Miriam." 

"  Son  of  Beelzebub,  we  set  thee  free 
Or  else  thou  hadst  been  hanging  on  the  cross." 

"  Better  I  had  than  him  you  crucified. 
A  reptile  has  more  pity  than  a  wolf. 
Come,  bend  your  craven  knees.     How  dark  it 

is! 
Felt  you  that  tremor  of  the  earth?     It  rocks. 


Link0  of  <Doia  91 

Your  trembling  knees  could  not  withstand  the 

shock. 
What !     Up    and    gone !     You    have    a    craven 

heart, 

For  cruelty  is  only  cowardice. 
The  sun  looks  like  a  monster  drop  of  blood." 

Then  John, 

"  O  blessed  mother,  take  my  arm. 
A  shame  it  is  to  let  him  die  alone." 

Between  the  paroxysms  of  the  earth 
They  felt  their  way  to  the  deserted  cross. 
Trembling  she  leaned  her  face  upon  his  arm 
In  speechless  grief,  too  sorrowful  for  tears. 

Jesus  looked  down.     There  was  a  silence  vast 
As  if  the  earth  and  heavens  were  listening 
To  the  sweet  words, 

"  Mother,  behold  thy  son ; 
Beloved  disciple,  on  thy  mother  look." 

Now  the  centurion  from  his  charger  reached 
The  wine  and  myrrh  up  to  the  sufferer. 

"  He  will  not  drink  of  it.     An  awful  flash ! 
Verily,  he  must  be  the  Son  of  God." 

At  this  one  of  the  thieves  began  to  rail, 

"  If  thou  be  Christ,  then  save  thyself  and 

us." 
The  other  answered, 

"  Dost  thou  not  fear  God? 
We  suffer  justly,  he  is  innocent. 
O  Lord,  remember  me  when  thou  dost  come 
Into  thy  kingdom." 


92  Links  of  (Sold 

Jesus  made  reply, 
"  Verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  to-day 
Shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  my  paradise." 

Again  earth  rocked  with  rumblings  ominous, 
Strange   lightnings  held  for  long  the  heavens 

ablaze, 

And  rending  thunder  shook  the  solid  earth; 
Again  the  black  Egyptian  darkness  fell. 
In  the  hushed  darkness  came  the  cry, 
The  saddest  words,  before  or  since, 

"  My  God, 

My  God,  oh,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me? 
"  I  thirst." 

Miriam,  called  Mary  Magdalene, 
Upon  a  reed  raised  to  his  parching  lips 
A  sponge  of  vinegar.     He  drank  of  it, 
Because  though  small  it  was  the  gift  of  love. 
Now  plain  and  strong  the  voice  came  from 

the  cross, 

"  It  is  finished.     Father,  into  thy  hands 
My  spirit  I  commend." 

Jesus  was  dead, 

Dead  of  a  broken  heart.     The  poor  tired  head 
Fell  forward  on  his  breast ;  the  crown  of  thorns 
Fell  off,  to  be  replaced  with  heaven's  own  light. 
The  water  and  the  blood  from  out  his  side 
Followed  the  soldier's  spear,  and  fell  upon 
The  prostrate  form  of  Mary  Magdalene, 
As  lowly  she  the  awful  cross  embraced, 
/Baptism  of  holiness  and  sacrifice.^ 


Links  of  e»olD  93 

When  the  two  noble  rulers  of  the  Jews, 
Joseph  and  Nicoderaus,  came  to  take 
The  mutilated  body  from  the  cross 
They  very  gently  moved  her  from  her  place, 
Where  she  again  had  washed  his  feet  with  tears. 
And   when   they   drew   the   bloody   spikes,    she 

turned 

Away  and  with  the  other  women  came 
To  where  they  laid  the  limp  and  helpless  form 
In  the  new  tomb  of  Joseph.     Here  they  washed 
The    Savior's    body,    stained    and    soiled    and 

marred, 

And  wrapped  it  in  the  cerements  of  the  grave, 
As  if  they  had  no  resurrection  hope, 
Except  that  Mary  Magdalene,  who  held 
The  face  cloth,  cried, 

"  O  blessed  Mother,  oh, 
I  cannot,  cannot,  cover  up  his  face." 

The  Romans  came  and  rolled  a  heavy  stone 
Against  the  cavern  door  and  set  a  watch. 

Within  the  lonesome  garden  of  the  dead 
The  steadfast  women  tarried  through  the  night, 
And  through  the  Sabbath  day,  and  through  the 

night. 

And  Mary  Magdalene,  watching,  saw 
A  faint  light  whiten  on  the  eastern  hills  — 
The  dawning  of  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
Shaking  soft  dewy  wings  of  heavenly  peace 
After  that  hellish  night  of  dread  and  storm. 

She  stands  on  tiptoe  in  the  grotto  door, 


94 Links  of  ®olti 

Holding  a  box  of  very  precious  spice ; 

They  had  embalmed  his  body  hastily. 

How  small  the  faith  in  her  who  loved  him  best. 

How  dark  the  shadows  of  the  garden  seemed, 

And  all  the  world. 

She  ventured  forth  alone. 
She  must  have  help  to  roll  away  the  stone. 
The  others,  worn  with  watching,  slept;  even 
His  mother.     She  would  go  alone  and  see. 

Running  along  the  garden  path,  she  came 
Before  the  sepulcher.     The  Roman  guards 
Were  gone !     The  heavy  stone  was  rolled  away ! 

She  stooped  to  enter.     Lo !  the  linen  clothes 
Were  folded  carefully.     He  was  not  there! 
She  ran  and  others  brought,  and  they  beheld 
The  empty  tomb. 

When  they  had  gone  away, 
She  stood  alone  without  the  sepulcher, 
Bitterly  weeping.     She  stooped  to  look  again. 
Her    nerves     were    to     their    highest     tension 

strained, 

When  spirit  or  the  Holy  Ghost  controlled 
And  opened  up  the  spirit  world  to  her. 

She  saw  two  angels  clothed  in  purest  light, 
One  sitting  where  his  feet,  one  where  his  head 
Had  lain,  and  the  white  spirits,  looking  up, 
Said  unto  her, 

"Woman,  why  weepest  thou?" 

She  said, 

"  Because  they  took  away  my  Lord, 


Links  of  aolD  95 

And  I  know  not  where  they  have  taken  him." 

"  Why    seekest   thou    the   living   among   the 

dead  ? 

He  is  not  here,  but  arisen  from  the  grave. 
Remember  what  he  said  in  Bethany, 

'  The  Son  of  Man  must  be  delivered  into 
The  hands  of  sinful  men  to  be  crucified, 
And  on  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again.' ' 

Still    she    had    little    faith,    though    angel 

warned. 

Frenzied  uncertainty  had  left  her  dazed. 
Blinded  she  rose  and  started  to  return. 

Before  her  stood  a  stranger  in  the  path. 
How  could  her  loving  eyes  be  holden  so, 
When  she  had  seen  and  also  heard.     He  said, 

"  Woman,  why  weepest  thou  ?     Whom  dost 
thou  seek  ?  " 

"  O  gardener,  if  you  have  borne  him  hence, 
Tell  me  where  you  have  laid  him.     Then  will  I 
Take  him  away." 

And  then  a  single  word 
Of  loving  recognition  drew  the  veil  aside. 

"  MARY  !  " 

"  RABBONI  ! " 

She  would  embrace  him. 

"  Touch  me  not,"  he  said ; 
"  I  have  not  yet  ascended  to  my  God. 
But  go  ye  to  my  brethren;  say  to  them 
I  will  ascend  unto  my  Father  God, 
And  to  their  Father  God." 


96  Links  of 


And  he  was  gone, 
As  he  had  come. 

And  Mary  Magdalene 
Told  the  disciples  she  had  seen  the  Lord. 

"  Go  tell  my  brethren." 

She,  the  lowly  one, 

Was  chosen  as  his  honored  messenger 
To  preach  the  great  eternal  fact  that  life 
Is  born  of  death.     Though  death  has  always 

been, 

And  life  will  always  be,  it  was  obscure 
And  only  known  to  God  how  man  shall  rise. 
Now  it  is  plainly  to  the  sense  revealed. 
Men  lived  and  died  as  though  this  were  all, 
When  matter  is  only  the  chrysalis 
Wherein  is  builded  the  eternal  form 
That  in  the  universal  ether  lives. 

Jesus,  to  give  the  world  assurance,  chose 
To  show  himself  in  his  familiar  form; 
We  shall  retain  our  personality. 

He  passed  at  will  through  rock  and  bolted 

door; 
We  shall  be  free  from  earthly  hindrances. 

He  could  appear  and  disappear  at  will  ; 
By  willing,  we  will  manifest  ourselves. 

Jesus  still  loved  those  who  before  were  dear  ; 
The  loving  ties  of  earth  shall  still  remain. 

And  thus  he  showed  himself  for  forty  days, 
Then  led  them  out  as  far  as  Bethany.^ 


Links  of  <g>olt) 97 

Spreading  his  hands  in  blessing  over  them, 
Looking  on  her  and  all  a  last  farewell, 
He  rose  into  the  universal  life  with  God, 
His  Father  and  our  Father  evermore, 
Sweet  heaven  of  every  liberated  soul. 

And  from  this  day  sought  Mary  Magdalene 
The  opportunity  to  testify. 
Her  testimony  was  direct  and  plain. 
For  she  herself  had  seen  and  talked  with  him. 

The  spirit  seems  to  be  so  far  removed, 
The  heart  bereft  longs  for  the  face,  the  form, 
The  voice  of  those  that  we  have  so  much  loved. 
Nor  faith,  nor  hope,  nor  words  of  sympathy, 
Can  hinder  the  incoming  tides  of  grief. 
By    day,    her    work    for    him    absorbed    her 

thought ; 
At  night  the  bitterness  came  over  her. 

Her  nervous  nature,  oh,  so  keenly  felt 
The  martyrdom  more  terrible  than  blood 
Or  fire ;  the  looks   that   stab,  the  words   that 

burn, 

Silent  unsympathy,  discourtesy ; 
The  bitter  stigma,  "  Mary  Magdalene," 
As  a  descriptive  title  of  the  lewd. 
Nor  could  she  realize  her  wayward  past 
Was  like  a  foil  in  which  to  set  her  love. 
Her  friends  she  felt  were  smirched  with  her  dis- 
grace. 
Under  the  guise  of  friendship  she  was  urged 


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To  leave  her  work.     Yet  always  in  her  heart 
The  message  wrought,  "  Go  tell  my  brethren," 
She  dare  not  cease  to  do  what  he  had  said. 
The  atmosphere  was  dark  with  scorn  and  threat. 
But  oh,  the  hardest  thing  of  all  to  bear 
Was    her    old    white-haired    father's    anxious 

pain. 

Should  she  return  to  him?     O  breaking  heart, 
Duties  never  conflict.     The  word  of  Christ, 
"  Go  tell  my  brethren,"  is  a  sacred  trust. 

Also  old  Zephani,  fierce  jungle  beast, 
Was  on  her  track  with  a  relentless  hate. 
Jesus  had  cast  seven  devils  out  of  her 
Whilst  she  the  patient  was  of  Zephani. 

He    hastened   to   the   home   of   the    ex-High 

Priest. 
Annas  received  him  in  the  Council  Hall. 

"  Good  priest,  what  is  thy  will?  " 

"  Your  reverence, 

My  mission  most  concerns  the  holy  church. 
Jesus,  that  Nazarene,  was  crucified. 
Now  where  there  was  but  one,  a  hundred  mouths 
Blaspheme  and  claim  he  is  arisen  again. 
The  temple  offerings  show  the  effects  of  this." 

"  Scattered  the  sparks  in  stamping  out  the 

fire? 
What  now  is  to  be  done?  " 

"  Stamp  them  all  out." 

"And  how?" 

"  The  temple  cells  are  dark  and  deep, 


Links  of  ®oID 99 

Will  hold  them  yet,  if  we  begin  in  time." 

"  Easy  it  is  to  say,  but  hard  to  do." 

"  Give  me  authority." 

"  On  all  but  one." 

"And  who  is  that?" 

"  The  Princess  Miriam, 
The  daughter  of  my  friend,  the  patriarch." 

"  What !     Mary  Magdalene,  the  scarlet  one  ? 
Let  all  escape,  but  not  this  murderess. 
If  she  alone  be  left  the  sect  would  still 
Increase." 

"  The  temple  walls  are  tottering 
If  a  weak  maiden's  breath  will  blow  them  down." 

"  Give  me  authority." 

"  Where  is  she  now  ?  " 

"  At  Bethany." 

"  Give  me  thy  sacred  word 
That  I  shall  not  be  known  in  it." 

"  I  swear." 

"  And  swear  again  she  shall  not  be  misused." 

"  I  swear  to  this.     Give  me  authority." 
And  then  old  Annas  leaned  his  wrinkling  brow 
Upon  his  finger  tips,  in  earnest  thought. 

"  No,    no,    not    right.     Her    father    is    my 

friend ; 
And  then  if  known  it  would  be  dangerous." 

The   priest,   knowing  his   weakness,   said   in 
scorn, 

"  Aye,  thou  didst  not  condemn  the  Nazarene. 
Never  will  Annas  be  High  Priest  again." 


ioo  Links  of 


"  Well,  priest,  dost  promise  thou  wilt  use  her 
well?" 

"  Better  than  she  deserves,  I  promise  thee." 

"  Well,  take  the  Temple  Court's  authority. 
I  will  not  give  thee  mine.     I  think  there  is 
A  better  way  than  you  suggest.     The  sea 
Of  death  reflects  the  frowning  Macherous, 
The  frightened  Herod's  wilderness  abode. 
And  if  the  prisoners  ever  should  be  found, 
He  will  the  blame  receive.     His  enemies, 
The  Scribes,  will  write  his  history." 

"  I  have  authority  !     All  hail,  High  Priest  !  " 

"  Hast  lately  heard  of  Lazarus,  the  scribe, 
That  was  of  Bethany?     Does  he  yet  live? 
He    claimed   that   Jesus    raised   him    from    the 
dead." 

"  Yes,  hiding  in  the  wilderness. 
A  Nazarite  found  him  living  in  a  cave 
Across  the  rocky  gorge  from  Macherous. 
These  lying  witnesses  must  be  destroyed." 

"  And  when  wilt  thou  begin,  good  priest?  " 

"  To-night." 

"  Well,  then,  most  worthy  priest,  farewell." 

"  Farewell." 

("  '  To-night,'    a    fitting    time    for    such    a 

deed  — 

With  hidden  hand,  terrifying  mystery, 
The  coward  will  provide  an  ample  guard  — 
Not  many  of  the  priests  are  like  this  one  — 
He  threatened  me,  and  I  was  cowardly. 


Links  of  @olti 101 

Well,  I  must  thwart  his  hellish  purposes. 
To  Herod  I  will  send  this  very  night.") 

At  Bethany  was  there  a  quiet  home, 
Vine-clad,  nestled  in  cooling  shrubbery. 
Through  leafy  casement  crept  the  soft  moon- 
light, 

Making  dim  patterns  on  the  rush  strewn  floor. 
Two  loving  maidens  in  the  chamber  sat; 
Martha  it  was,  with  Mary  Magdalene, 
Who  broke  the  silence  with  her  tender  voice, 
"  Sister    in    love,    what    were    your    latest 

thoughts?" 

"  Thinking  of  our  dear  brother,  Lazarus. 
Longing  I  was  for  his  return  to  us. 
It  seems  as  if  the  good  suffer  the  most. 
Banished  for  loving  Jesus,  oh,  how  strange !  " 
She  turned  away  to  hide  a  falling  tear. 

"  Without    your    kindness    we    might    suffer 

want." 
"  I   have   received   more   blessing   than    was 

given." 
"  Mary,     your     voice     trembles ;     are     you 

afraid?  " 

"  One's  courage  always  lowers  in  the  night. 
I  hope  it  is  no  more  than  that.     I  feel 
A  strange  presentiment.     What  was  that? 
A  shadow  passed  the  curtain.     See,  another !  " 
She  held  her  breath,  her  heart  beat  hard  and 
fast. 


102  Link0  of 


"  Someone  is  at  the  door.     They  knock  ! 
Again  !  " 

Mary  sat  stupefied  with  fear. 
Martha  arose. 

"  I  will  see  who  it  is. 
It  may  be  Lazarus. 

Who  is  without?  " 
"  A  friend." 

Martha,  trembling,  unbarred  the  door. 
Old  Zephani,  for  he  it  was,  came  in. 
His  guards  with  swords  stood  in  the  open  door. 
"  We  seek  alone  for  Mary  Magdalene." 
"  She  is  my  guest  ;  you  must  not  trouble  her." 
Mary,  with  courage  that  surprised  herself, 
Stood  up  and  asked  of  him, 

"Whom  seek  you,  priest?  " 
"  Ah,  here  thou  art.     We  take  thee  prisoner. 
Here,  soldier,  put  the  irons  on  her  hands." 

"  By  what  authority?  "     With  a  dark  frown 
He  handed  her  a  scroll.     By  the  dim  light 
She  read  it  through. 

"  The  rulers  then  refused 
To  sign  their  names." 

"  There  is  the  temple  seal." 
"  The  rulers  did  not  place  it,  I  know." 
"  Well,  it  is  there." 
"Why  come  at  night?" 

"  Rather,  why  come  at  all  ?     Thy  blasphemy 
Compels  it." 

"  And  how  have  we  blasphemed?  " 


Links  of  <$olU  103 

"  In  saying  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God, 
And  that  thou  sawest  him  risen  from  the  dead." 

Noting  the  futility  of  argument, 
She  said  no  more,  but  full  of  courage  stood. 

With  cruel  irons  on  her  tender  hands, 
They  led  her  forth  and  seated  her  upon  a  beast, 
Then  backward  through  the  hill  country  took 

their  way 

To  Jordan's  ford  and  the  great  wilderness. 
The  homely  palfrey  bore  her  carefully, 
As  though  it  knew  she  was  the  queenliest. 
The    moon    silvered    the    crags    and    mountain 

peaks 
And  hid  much  of  the  dread  unsightliness. 

The  cavalcade  climbed  up  the  rocky  steeps, 
Descended  through  the  barren  streamless  vales. 
The  calm  and  patient  prisoner  endured 
The  hardship  and  the  dread  uncertainty 
Without  a  murmur  or  complaint.     They  passed 
The  dark  mouthed  cave  and  beetling  precipice 
And  heard  the  howl  of  hungry  beast  of  prey. 
A  dreadful  death  might  wait  her  farther  on. 
It  mattered  not;  all  other  love  was  merged 
In  that  one  love  that  filled  her  soul  with  peace. 

Old  Zephani  tried  to  deceive  himself 
That  he  was  truly  kind  in  guarding  her 
Upon  the  way. 

Just  as  the  fiery  sun 

Came  up  to  smite  the  desert  with  his  heat, 
They  crossed  the  noisy  wooden  bridge  and  stood 


104  Link0  of 


Before  the  massive  tower's  lower  gate. 
A  generous  bribe  of  gold  admitted  them. 

Within,  the  light  of  the  suspended  lamps 
Was  in  the  massive  pillared  arches  lost. 
Set  in  the  floor  long  rows  of  iron  doors 
Shut  down  upon  dark  dungeon  cells  beneath. 
Strangely  they  stopped  before  the  number  X, 
So  like  a  cross.     The  rusty  hinges  creaked, 
There  was  a  smell,  musty  and  sickening. 
0  pitiful  !     The  helpless  innocent 
Was  here  alone  with  rough  and  hardened  men. 

She  read  her  fate  without  a  cry  or  tear  ; 
Not  without  feeling,  but  sustained  by  love 
And  consciousness  of  Christ's  upholding  power. 

Old  Zephani,  with  a  deceitful  smile, 
Addressed  her  in  low  tones, 

"  I  am  thy  friend, 

Thy  noble  father's  friend.     He  waits  for  thee. 
No  doubt  he  startles  at  the  steps  he  hears. 
Wouldst  thou  not  come  and  smooth  his  whit- 

ened locks? 

His  poor  old  heart  will  break  to  have  thee  here. 
Wouldst  be  free  to  go  to  him  ?  " 

"  I  would." 

"  Ah,  noble  Princess,  thou  art  wise  at  last. 
Here  is  a  little  statement;  sign  it  here. 
Jesus  is  dead,  there  is  no  longer  use 
In  keeping  with  his  low  born  followers." 

"  I  saw  him  risen  and  he  lives  again." 

"  Thou  hast  a  devil,  Mary  Magdalene. 


Links  of  <£>olD  105 

Look  in  that  hole,  for  it  will  be  thy  tomb. 
Here  is  a  pen.     Write  here.     Sign  thy  name 
here." 

She  did  not  move 
Or  answer  him  a  word. 

"  Let  her  enjoy  her  folly;  cast  her  in. 
Let  us  down  slowly;  she  may  yet  repent. 
Magdalene,  how  dost  thou  like  it  down  in  here? 
Answer.     Be  quick,  or  it  will  be  too  late. 
Think  of  the  darkness  when  the  lid  is  closed, 
And  this  will  be  thy  permanent  abode. 
Thou  wilt  not  speak?     There  is  no  one  else  to 

blame. 

Here  in  this  corner  is  a  skeleton 
Of  one  who  was  as  obdurate  as  thou. 
Sullen?     It  may  be  when  the  light  is  gone 
Thou  better  mayst  enjoy  his  company. 
He  was  forgotten  here  as  thou  mayst  be. 
See  how  he  grins  to  see  thy  foolishness." 

In  agony  she  fell  upon  her  knees, 
And  prayed, 

"  O  Jesus  Savior,  hear  my  prayer, 
Deliver  me." 

"  Vain !     Vain !     The  dead  hear  not. 
Trust  me,  I  can  and  will  deliver  thee." 

"  Doctor,  is  there  no  pity  in  your  heart? 
And  would  you  force  me  to  deny  the  truth  ?  " 

"  Thou    lying    Magdalene !     Men,    draw    me 
up." 

And  she  was  left  alone  in  that  dark  cell. 


106  Link0  of 


The  awful  darkness  saw  not  her  sweet  smile, 
For  Jesus  in  the  spirit  came  to  her 
With  the  same  peace  that  his  own  spirit  filled 
Under  the  greatest  suffering.      She  knew 
That  he  had  known  before  what  hers  would  be 
And  that  His  glory  should  be  hers  at  last. 

Calm  as  an  infant  in  its  mother's  arms, 
Smiling  she  lay  upon  the  musty  floor, 
And  with  a  homely  crucifix  of  straws 
Upon  her  breast,  she  fell  asleep,  the  rest 
Of  perfect  trust. 

A  call  awakened  her. 

Was  it  a  dream?     She  heard  again  the  call 
Though  it  was  growing  fainter.     At  each  cell 
The  cry, 

"  We  seek  for  Princess  Miriam, 
Now  better  known  as  Mary  Magdalene." 

Ever  the  cry  grew  fainter  as  they  passed 
Along, 

"  We  seek  for  Princess  Miriam, 
Now  better  known  as  Mary  Magdalene." 

The  narrow  confines  shut  her  answer  in. 
When    the   cry   ceased,   her   heart   grew   faint. 

Nothing 

Is  sadder  than  lost  opportunity. 
In  the  dead  silence  were  her  heart  beats  heard. 

She    did    not    know    that    Annas,    ex-High 

Priest, 
When  Zephani  was  gone,  had  urgently 


Links  of  <$olti  107 

A  message  sent  to  Herod,  the  king,  that  he 
Should  keep  his  prison  guards  upon  the  watch 
For  Princess  Miriam,  lately  entitled 
Mary  Magdalene,  the  daughter  of  their  friend 
Eleazer,  the  patriarch.     He  feared 
The  man.     To  put  the  onus  on  the  king, 
Designed  within  his  castle  to  immure 
The  maid. 

Her  opportunity  was  gone. 

The  guards  not  caring  might  not  come  again. 
Alone  she  wrestled  with  her  doubt  and  fear, 
With  unseen  weapons  fought  with  ghostly  foes. 
Did  Jesus  know?     Did  Jesus  care?     How  could 
She  know?     If  so,  why  did  she  wake  too  late? 
Why  not  appear  when  he  was  needed  most? 
Was  he  offended  that  she  wished  to  live? 
Was  her  desire  too  great?     Could  she  not  say 
Thy  will  be  done?     Or  was  he  truly  dead? 
She  would  have  fallen  into  deep  despair 
Had  she  not  heard  the  call  again 
Far  down  the  hall  and  louder,  louder  growing. 
Her  door  was  raised.     She  gave  a  startled  cry. 
A  stranger  face  peered  through  the  opening. 

"  We  seek  for  Princess  Miriam,  now  known 
As  Mary  Magdalene.     Is  she  in  here?  " 

Even  that  hated  name  of  her  reproach 
Is  heavenly  music.     Nothing  could  be  worse 
Than    this    dark    prison    cell.     She    hailed    a 
change. 


108  Links  of 


And  was  the  tear  of  joy  upon  the  cheek, 
A  sin?     It  was  the  brightest  jewel  earth 
Affords. 

Strong  hands  and  willing  drew  her  up. 
Even  the  dim  light  blinded  her.     Though  weak 
And  soiled  with  prison  grime  and  travel  stain 
They  led  her  to  Herodias,  the  queen. 

Here  she  was  tended,  nurtured,  and  restored, 
And  with  her  gentle  ways  endeared  herself. 

Again  the  fortinal,  as  a  golden  key, 
Unlocked  their  royal  hearts,  so  she  could  preach 
The  blessed  Christ,  the  precious  Son  of  God 
That  she  herself  saw  crucified,  and  buried, 
Saw  him  arisen  from  the  sepulcher. 
And  now  his  presence  brings  new  joy  and  hope, 
As  the  High  Priest  of  the  new  Covenant. 

At  the  word  *  priest,'  Herodias  fiercely  flamed, 

"  *  Priest  !  '     I     hate     your     sanctimonious 

priest. 

The  very  pious  John  holds  up  my  faults, 
The  better  to  conceal  his  own  or  worse." 

"  Good  mother,  can  you  not  forgive  a  fault  ?  " 

"  I  might  forgive  my  friends,  but  not  my  ene- 
mies." 

"  The  loving  Jesus  that  I  told  you  of, 
Commanded  that  we  love  our  enemies. 
His  mercy  follows  condemnation  close." 

"  Sweet  innocence,  you  never  did  a  wrong, 
But  have  been  greatly  wronged.     The  hateful 
wolf 


Links  of  <$olD  109 

Is  on  your  track.     Blood  thirsty  beast  he  is, 
Could  you  love  him  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  could  do  him  good." 
"  Dearest,  I  would  not  tell  you,  but  I  must, 
He  has  accused  you  of  a  heinous  crime. 
Even  to-morrow  you  are  to  be  tried 
In  Herod's  court.     He  cannot  punish  you, 
He  knows  full  well,  but  easily  invents 
A  violation  of  the  Roman  law. 
Vehemence  is  his  only  argument." 

"  Most  gracious  queen,  I  will  confess  to  you, 
I  know  what  Zephani's  charge  will  be, 
And  I  am  guilty.     I  was  wild  in  sin; 
Sought  to  excite  my  lover's  passion,  so 
That  he  would  not  observe  my  guiltiness, 
And  by  mistake  a  deadly  poison  gave. 
Seven  devils  had  possession  of  my  soul." 

"  How  is  it  then  you  are  so  pure  and  good?  " 
"  Jesus  cast  all  the  devils  out  of  me." 
"  I  have  an  angry  murderous  devil  too, 
That  on  occasion  flames  —  were  Jesus  here  — 
I  am  so  sorry  that  your  Christ  is  dead." 
S "  No !     No !     He  is  not  dead !     He  is  risen, 
/  And  stands  before  you  now.     But  close  your 

eyes, 

And  pray  in  faith,  and  promise  you  will  love 
Him  evermore ;  he  will  your  spirit  cleanse, 
Will  give  you  new  desires  and  purposes." 

"  If  he  do  that  he  is  a  real  God,  -v 

Not  the  thin  fancies  that  the  Romans 


no  Links  of 


"  Yes,  he  did  love  the  evil  out  of  me." 

"  I  close  my  eyes  —  O  !     O  !     I  see  a  light  ! 
I  know  how  you  can  love  him  as  you  do." 

"  Queen,  you  have  seen  the  light  of  heaven, 

and  there 

Are  things  in  earth  and  heaven  we  know  not  of, 
Until  we  know  them  by  experience. 

A  great  prophetic  vision  comes  to  me 
When  Rome,  the  mistress  of  the  world,  shall  be 
The  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  of  His  Christ." 

"  How  can  it  be  when  Roman  justice  seems 
But  awful  torture?     Will  it  ever  be 
That  they  will  boAv  to  the  poor  Nazarene? 
Forgive,  why  did  I  speak  in  such  a  way  !  " 

"  There   can   be   no   offense,   where   none   is 

meant. 

I  see  the  wooden  cross  turned  into  gold 
Become  the  ensign  of  the  Roman  power. 
The  precious  emblem  of  the  love  of  Christ 
Will  some  day  overcome  barbarity." 

"  Not  soon  enough,  I  fear,  to  save  your  life. 
Great  Caius  Marcus,  the  centurion, 
Loves  you,  I  hear.     Your  other  lover  dead, 
Appeal  to  him." 

"  He  will  do  all  he  can 
Without  my  asking  him." 

"  The  wealthy  Prince  Samar  also  may  help." 

At  this  her  face  grew  red,  then  deathly  pale. 

"  Samar  is  —  dead  —  is  dead  —  and  were  he 
not, 


Links  of  (gold m 

I  would  not  be  delivered  in  this  way. 
No,  I  will  suffer  death  as  Jesus  did, 
And  by  the  martyrdom  will  show  the  world 
The  value  of  his  love.     At  Bethany, 
In  my  great  sympathy,  I  asked  my  lord 
If  I  might  share  his  awful  sufferings." 

"  You  say  that  Jesus  died  to  save  the  world. 
Why  does  he  then  allow  your  sufferings  ?  " 
S*  Pain  is  a  necessary  part  of  joy; 
(No  rainbow  could  there  be  without  the  cloud\ 
These  light  afflictions  lead  to  endless  bliss ; 
And  faithfulness  in  this  dark,  brutal  age 
Is  martyrdom.     It  is  not  sin  to  shrink 
At  sorrow,  but  in  giving  up  the  truth." 

"  You  say  you  loved  another,  how  is  this, 
Yet  you  love  Jesus  even  to  the  death?  " 

"  Mistress,  the  love  of  Christ  is  like  the  air 
In  which  is  everything;  there  is  no  room 
In  its  pure  atmosphere  for  jealousy; 
The  pure  affection  sweetens  other  love." 

"  My  heart  yearns  for  a  precious  love  like 

thine. 
Teach  me  how  I  may  also  love  the  Christ." 

"  The  Master  never  disappoints  desire. 
I  am  rejoiced  to  share  his  love  with  you:/ 
Dividing  it  we  shall  increase  our  own." 

To-morrow  came,  as  to-morrows  ever  will, 
With  their  prospective  good  or  dreaded  ill. 
At  early  morning  Mary  Magdalene 


112  Linb0  of 


At  the  open  casement  of  the  lofty  tower 
Sat  gazing  open-eyed,  yet  seeing  not 
The  barren  landscape  hot  and  ashen  gray, 
Nor  the  still  face  of  the  sad  sea  of  death 
That  never  to  the  breeze  doth  answering  smile. 

As  the  passing  soul  seeth  more  vividly, 
So  passed  the  panorama  of  her  life, 
Showing  her  sweet  and  childish  innocence 
Lost  in  the  vain  and  frivolous,  at  last 
In  vile  debauchery  and  wickedness. 
According  with  her  mood  the  bitterness 
Was  prominent. 

"  Oh,  I  did  poison  him," 
Was  wrung  from  her. 

"  Yet  Jesus  has  forgiven." 
And  still  she  struggled  in  her  agony. 

We  give  the  past  a  tear,  the  future  what? 
Will  the  new  faith  light  up  the  gloomy  grave? 
Can   light-winged  hope  waft  in  the  breeze  of 

heaven  ? 
Could  love  find  place  on  which  to  set  her  feet? 

In  prayer  she  by  the  open  window  knelt, 
Where  troubled  souls  have  always  refuge  found, 
S  "  If  it  be  possible,  O  Jesus,  save  ! 
\  Nevertheless,  thy  holy  will  be  done. 
In  living  can  I  not  do  more  for  thee? 
Pity  my  poor  old  father's  trembling  heart. 
And  must  I  meet  Judah  I  so  much  wronged? 
And  yet  in  heaven  they  know  the  inmost  heart. 
Yes,  he  will  know  how  I  loved  only  himA 


Lmk0  of  (fruit) iis 

How    I    would    prize    the    offered    prayers    I 

spurned ! 

Yes,  we  will  gather  at  thy  feet,  O  Lord, 
Never  to  part  again." 

Nature  wisely  provides 
That  we  instinctively  should  cling  to  life. 
She    struggled    hard    although    her    faith    was 
strong. 

Her  opening  eyes  beheld  a  cloud  of  dust 
Advancing.     Drawing  near,  she  recognized  the 

face, 

Grizzled  and  grim,  of  Zephani,  the  wolf, 
Leading  a  company  of  beasts  like  him. 
She  saw  the  never-to-be-forgotten  horde 
That  crucified  the  blessed  Lord  of  Love, 
And  still  fiercely  pursuing  innocence, 
Calling  it  zeal  for  God  and  for  His  house. 

With  gestures  and  with  clamoring  they  alight 
Before  the  tower  gate,  nor  enter  in 
Beneath  a  gentile  roof,  for  they  might  be 
Defiled.     A  little  tremor  shook  her  being. 

A  knock  —  Herodias,  the  Queen,  came  in. 

"  My  child,  how  can  you  be  so  calm  ?     Hear 

them! 

The  hungry  wolves  are  howling  for  your  blood. 
The  jailer  comes.     I  will  not  let  him  in. 
O  God,  it  must  not  be,  it  must  not  be !  " 

"  Most  gracious  queen,  be  calm  and  let  him 
in." 

"  Here  is  your  veil." 


114  Links  of 


Reluctantly 
He  placed  the  shackles  on  her  tender  limbs. 

"  Jailer,   why   put   them   on  ?     She   will    not 

strive  — 
Then  be  as  gentle  as  the  law  permits." 

Then  the  transformed  Herodias  kissed  them, 
Bathed  the  rough  irons  with  her  burning  tears. 

The  jailer  led  her  down  the  gloomy  steps 
Of  stone,  and  left  her  in  the  prisoner's  dock 
Alone. 

The  king  sat  on  his  gilded  throne. 
Great  feather  fans  waved  in  the  languid  air. 
The  Roman  soldiers  leaned  upon  their  spears. 
Before  the  throne  sat  the  important  scribe. 
Upon  the  right  sat  crafty  Samuel, 
The  Jewish  counselor.     Upon  the  left 
There  was  the  empty  seat  of  the  defense. 
Herod  addressed  the  scribe, 

"  Is  there  no  one 
Who  has  the  courage  to  defend  the  maid?  " 

"  Your  Gracious  Majesty,  there  is  but  one, 
A  youthful  hermit  who  has  lately  come 
Out  of  the  wilderness.     He  seems  to  have 
Much  learning,  with  refined  address, 
And  understands  this  case  most  perfectly. 
He  prays  to  have  the  gracious  privilege 
Of  appearing  in  the  lonely  maid's  defense." 

"  How  is  he  dressed?     Is  he  a  Nazarite?  " 

"  He  is,  Your  Majesty,  and  also  wears 
Their  homely  garb." 


Links  of  (fcoin 115 

The  eyes  of  Herod  dropped, 
For  John,  the  Baptist,  was  a  Nazarite; 
He  saw  the  specter  of  his  bloody  head. 

"  I    like    them    not.     Is     there    no    other, 

scribe?  " 

"  Only  this  one,  O  King." 
"  I  like  them  not  — 
Well,  bring  him  in." 

And  soon  the  scribe  returned, 
Ushering  in  the  strange  young  Nazarite 
Whose  coat  was  made  of  coarsest  camel's  hair 
And  a  rough  leather  thong  girded  his  loins. 
Upon  the  shoulders  hung  a  woolly  skin, 
Upon  it  fell  his  uncut  beard  and  hair. 
He  walked  erect,  the  center  of  all  eyes, 
And  coming  forward  kneeled  before  the  throne. 
The   royal   guards   leaned  forward   on  their 

spears, 

The  mob  grew  silent  for  a  little  while, 
Old  Samuel  arose  with  searching  gaze, 
Herod  as  at  an  apparition  stared. 

"  Young  Nazarite,  first  let  us  hear  thy  name." 
"  Most  Gracious  King,  my  name  is  Joshua." 
"  Now  tell  us  where  thy  habitation  is." 
"  The  king  must  know,  the  Nazarites  have 

none. 

I  lately  came  out  of  the  wilderness, 
Where  I  sojourn." 

"  Thou  didst  not  come  out  of  the  wilderness, 
This  tower  is  a  part  of  it,  young  man." 


116  Links  of 


"  Your  Majesty,  excuse  my  confused  speech." 
"  Well,  what  is  thy  petition,  Nazarite  ?  " 
"  Your  Majesty,  this  world  is  full  of  wrongs. 
The  rich,  the  powerful,  oppress  the  weak. 
My  wants  are  very  few.     I  give  my  life 
Without    reward,    to    right    this    old    world's 

wrongs. 

My  one  request  is  that  I  be  allowed 
To  represent  this  unprotected  maid." 

"  Princess,    come   forward   to    the   judgment 

seat." 

She  came  and  also  kneeled  before  the  throne. 
Her   shoulders   heaved  with   feeling   scarce   re- 

pressed, 

Pathetic  figure  that  would  move  the  heart 
Not  altogether  stone. 

"  Maiden,  they  charge 

That  in  the  month  of  Sivan,  when  the  moon 
Is  full,  thou  didst  with  malice  and  intent 
Murder  one  Judah,  who  your  lover  was, 
By  giving  him  in  wine  a  deadly  drug. 

Under  the  law,  they  claim  that  life  shall 

pay 

For  life.     Wilt  thou  accept  this  Nazarite 
To    answer    to    their    charge?     Of    him    thou 

knowest 

As  much  as  doth  our  court.     We  only  know 
He  is  a  Nazarite  and  an  Essene." 

She  gave  her  hand  in  a  sweet  modesty 
That  made  it  seem  she  was  not  overbold. 


Links  of  <$olU  117 

He  saw  a  ring  and  turned  his  face  away. 

It  was  a  plain  wide  band  of  solid  gold. 

He  turned,  addressed  the  court, 

"  If  the  king  please, 

I  will  alter  my  terms.     Since  I  have  seen 

This  ring,  strangely  I  cannot  rid  myself 

Of  the  desire  to  have  it  as  my  own. 

Though  she  should  be  condemned  and  have  to 
die, 

This  little  trifle  would  not  pay  the  price. 

If  saved  there  is  no  value  in  the  world 

Would  pay  the  debt." 

Then  Herod  said  to  her, 
"  Give  him  his  way,  it  is  a  little  thing." 
Mary,  arising,  said  unto  the  king, 
"  Not  for  my  life  would  I  take  off  this  pledge 

Of  love.     If  he  be  dead  who  placed  it  there, 

0  King,   then   will   I   wear  it   in  the   welcome 

grave." 

Then  said  the  Nazarite  with  trembling  voice, 
"  Not  for  a  whim  shall  she  remove  the  ring. 

1  value  it,  because  she  values  it. 

For  her  possession  I  possess  it  more." 

And  then  the  king,  half  vexed  at  them,  spake 

out, 

"  Let  there  be  no  delay ;  we  must  proceed." 
Mary,  with  strange  emotion  overcome 
At  what  the  Nazarite  had  said,  staggered 
Into  the  prisoner's  seat. 

Old  Samuel 


118 Links  of  ffolD 

Impressively  arose,  slowly  began, 

"  O   thou  most  honored  King,  '  Herod,  the 

Just' 

We  will  entitle  thee ;  for  well  we  know 
The  straightness  of  thy  justice  doth  require 
Eye  for  an  eye,  tooth  for  a  tooth,  life  for 
A  life.     In  this  degenerating  world, 
It  is  most  fortunate  that  there  is  one 
Who  is  a  wall  against  this  reeking  tide. 

Our  testimony  shows,  with  dread  detail, 
The  vicious  course  of  Princess  Miriam, 
Infamously  known  as  Mary  Magdalene, 
That  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  Sivan  she 
A  foul  malicious  murder  did  commit. 

Judah,  her  lover,  with  a  love  as  pure 
As  hers  was  false,  drank  of  the  fatal  draught, 
Given,  administered,  by  her  fair  hand. 
Her  wicked  heart  was  green  with  jealousy; 
If  she  could  have  him  not,  no  other  should. 
Thus  was  the  promise  of  a  life  destroyed 
By  her  who  should  have  loved  and  cherished  it. 

If   we   had   been    allowed,    we   might   have 

proved, 

How  by  her  fascination  she  had  drawn 
Unwary  youth  into  her  lewd  embrace; 
How  poor  Zidarian,  the  wayward  son 
Of  an  indulgent  sire,  was  stabbed  to  death 
In  a  drunken,  jealous  brawl  for  her  foul  love. 

But  to  return,  we  give  most  ample  proof, 
That  Judah,  after  swallowing  the  drug, 


*Link0  of  <$olt»  119 


Lived  afterward  only  a  lingering  death. 
As  a  live  thing  the  deadly  poison  gripped 
His  vitals  till  it  dragged  him  to  the  grave. 

These  facts  are  shown  to  be  so  heinous, 
That  even  mercy  is  denied  her  claim. 

Shall  we,  O  King,  the  gilded  serpent  spare 
That  lurks  by  the  frequented  path  to  strike 
Her  deadly  fangs  ?     No  more  should  we  allow 
This  human  viper  to  escape  the  blow. 

She  may  be  beautiful,  of  princely  blood; 
These  make  her  influence  more  dangerous. 
The  highest  angel  fell  into  the  deepest  hell. 
Is  not  the  sacrifice  of  life  complete? 
Her  victim,  Judah,  was  a  noble  man, 
Beloved  and  honored  by  the  priests,  his  friends. 

Mercy,  O  King,  is  for  the  merciful. 
Where  was  her  thought  of  mercy  when  her  hand 
Gave  him  the  poisoned  cup?     Did  she  relent? 
And  snatch  the  poison  from  his  very  lips? 
It  is  too  late  to  ask  for  mercy  now  ; 
Her  ears  are  deaf  to  such  unworthy  call. 

Thy  throne  is  on  two  brazen  lions  placed, 
And    the    great     Roman    eagle's    wings    out- 

stretched 

Make  over  thee  a  golden  canopy, 
Emblems  of  Roman  justice  and  of  power. 
No  weak  and  flimsy  judgment  can  come  forth 
From   such  a  judge.     Our  cause  is   thine,  O 

King. 
Crime  shall  be  punished,  and  the  innocent 


120  Links  of 


Are  safe." 

Behind  her  veil  the  prisoner  shrank. 
Old  Samuel's  words  like  arrows  pierced  her  soul, 
And  rankled  more  because  they  were  too  true. 
Through  blurring  tears  she  saw  the  Nazarite 
Stand  forth.  As  in  a  dream  she  heard  his  voice, 
And  his  embarrassed  hesitation  knew. 

"  Most  gracious  king,  the  honored  counselor 
Has  been  allowed  to  dwell  in  scathing  terms 
Upon  the  former  life  of  the  accused. 
He  will  admit  this  does  not  prove  the  crime. 
He  moves  to  tears  by  the  pathetic  death 
Of    the    esteemed    young    scribe,    her    trusting 

friend. 

This  does  not  prove  at  all  who  poisoned  him. 
Two  witnesses  alone  can  testify  to  this, 
And  one  of  these  is  dead,  they  all  declare; 
The  other  cannot  be  compelled  to  say. 
Who  poisoned  him?     This  is  the  missing  link 
That  leaves  them  only  with  the  broken  ends. 
Therefore,  Your  Majesty,  we  humbly  pray 
That  thou  wilt  grant  the  maid  her  liberty." 

"  We  will  our  verdict  give.     Maiden,  stand 

forth. 

Gaoler,  lift  up  her  veil.     So  beautiful  ! 
By  all  the  holy  gods  the  hand  is  rough 
Would  crush  a  tender  flower  like  that.     True! 

True! 

She  is  not  proven  guilty  of  the  crime. 
Had  we  been  given  the  strongest  evidence 


Links  of  (fcolti m 

Her  lovely  face  would  brand  it  perjury." 
And  here  shone  out  her  true  nobility. 
"  Your  Majesty,  silence  at  such  a  time 
Would  be  a  falsehood  base ;  I  dare  not  lie 
Even  to  save  my  life.     I  poisoned  him  — 
Awful  mistake  — " 

"  Go  on  and  tell  the  king." 
"  I  thought  it  a  love  potion.     Oh,  it  was 
The  deadly  Taanach." 

"  She  has  confessed. 

Young  Nazarite,  we  have  the  missing  link. 
Mistake  indeed !     Can  every  criminal 
Offer  a  lame  excuse?     Then  are  our  laws 
Annulled,  all  justice  will  be  set  aside. 
I,  Samuel,  counselor  of  the  High  Priest, 
Demand  that  she  shall  pay  the  penalty 
Of  her  detested  crimes." 

Herod  replied, 

"  Nazarite,  what  hast  thou  to  say  to  this?  " 
"  Thanking  thee  for  thy  courtesy,  O  King, 
There  can  be  little  said,  since  she  has  confessed, 
Which  makes  their  evidence  clear  and  complete. 
And  with  the  learned  counsel  we  agree, 
Motive  must  have  support  of  evidence. 
Though  gladly  I  would  bear  her  penalty, 
It  may  not  be.     But  this  I  truly  know, 
That  she  will  hear  her  sentence  with  a  heart 
Untouched  by  malice,  or  the  least  ill  will. 
In  sweetest  charity  her  lips  shall  kiss 
The  hands  of  her  rough  executioners. 


122  JLink0  of 


Do  not  the  priests  before  God's  altar  stand, 
And  pray  for  mercy  on  their  sins  and  ours, 
That  He  have  mercy  on  the  merciful? 
Therefore,  on  bended  knees  we  humbly  pray 
For  mercy  on  this  poor  hapless  maid. 

She  has  relinquished  freedom  for  the  truth, 
And  she  is  not  a  murderer  in  intent. 
Oh,  look  on  that  sweet  angel  countenance, 
Goodness  and  truth  written  in  every  line. 
Oh,  spare  her  innocence." 

Then  Samuel, 

"  O  King,  the  callow  Nazarite  insists 
That  beauty  is  the  badge  of  innocence. 
Behold  the  poison  flower,  how  beautiful. 
Does  not  the  sunshine  kiss  its  tinted  lips? 
Does  not  the  dew  sparkle  upon  its  leaf? 
Yet  in  its  bosom  deadly  poison  lurks  ; 
The  laden  bee  falls  ere  it  reach  the  hive. 

Justice  to  one  is  mercy  to  us  all. 
To  this  we  have  a  right." 

Then  Joshua, 

"  Behold  the  lamb  in  silent  innocence 
Before  the  sacrificial  altar  stands. 
The  priest  hath  pity  for  its  helplessness, 
His  heart  is  softened  by  the  sight  of  blood. 
I  will  not  ask  again.     She  has  confessed. 
And  she  must  die." 

Herod  the  scepter  held, 
Loathing  that  he  the  sentence  must  pronounce. 

"  Your  Majesty,  send  for  her  accusers. 


Of  ®OlD  123 


We  would  some  further  testimony  have. 
The  spear  point  will  o'ercome  their  bigotry. 

We  knew  it  would.     Justice  all  of  you  love. 
We  would  be  certain  of  the  victim's  death. 
This  doctor  by  his  office  knows  of  death 
As  to  the  dying  he  doth  minister, 
And  often  has  observed  the  glazing  eye, 
And  the  unbreathing,  pallid  lips,  and  tried 
To  feel  the  heart  that  is  forever  stilled. 
Then  loving  friends  turn  from  the  lifeless  form, 
Leave  it  to  dissolution  and  decay. 

Do   you,   your  hands   upon  the   Book   of 

Books, 

As  Great  Jehovah  is  to  be  your  judge, 
Make  solemn  oath  that  he,  Judah,  the  scribe, 
Whom  Miriam,  the  prisoner,  is  accused 
Of  murdering,  is  not  alive  —  is  dead  ?  " 

"  Impudent  Nazarite,  how  many  times 
Have  I  to  say  that  he  is  dead  ?     Listen  ! 
I  say  I  knew  the  young  man  perfectly. 
A  little  child  he  in  the  temple  played, 
And  as  a  young  man  was  my  trusted  scribe." 

"  You  have  not  quite  affirmed." 

"  Well,  then,  I  swear 

I  saw  this  young  man  die  ;  I  saw  him  dead. 
I  saw  the  face  cloth  bound  about  his  face 
So  tight  even  the  living  could  not  breathe. 
I  saw  him  buried  in  the  family  tomb. 
Is  that  enough  ?  " 

"  Now,  if  your  honor  please, 


124 Links  of  (gold 

Let  your  scribe  make  a  record  of  his  oath. 
Again,  good  priest,  will  you  be  merciful?  " 
"  Hear    the    young    hermit !     He    is    desert 

mad." 
The  King  though  very  loath  would  sentence 

her. 
Then  cried  the  Nazarite, 

"  Your  Majesty, 
One  moment  more. 

False  perjurer, 

Look  now  on  me,  the  shaggy  Nazarite; 
First  let  me  take  this  woolly  mantle  off, 
And  now  it  is  no  more  a  part  of  me 
Than  is  your  innocence  a  part  of  you. 

Look  now,  this  hair  and  beard  I  will  re- 
move. 

They  were  a  false  and  hypocritic  show, 
As  is  your  own,  anointed  with  the  oil 
Of  sanctity.     Why  do  you  stare  at  me? 
And  last,  this  leather  girdle  I  undo, 
Discard  the  humble  coat  of  camel's  hair, 
Worn  as  you  wear  your  false  humility. 
And  these  worn  sandals  I  put  off  my  feet, 
And  am  no  more  a  Nazarite.     Know  me? 
Yes,  '  perfectly.'     I  thank  you  for  the  word  — 

And  this,  '  her  victim  was  a  noble  man, 
Beloved  and  honored  by  the  priests,  his  friends.' 
Not  often  can  we  have  the  privilege 
To  hear  encomiums  after  we  are  dead. 
You  see  me,  hear  me  speak ;  but  I  am  dead." 


Linfe0  of  <$olD  125 

Here  Mary  Magdalene  could  be  restrained 
No  longer,  but  upon  her  fettered  feet 
Leaped  to  the  side  of  Judah,  threw  her  arms, 
Though  bound,  against  his  breast,  and  sobbed 

and  laughed 

In  her  hysteric  joy.     He  put  his  arms 
About  her,  quite  forgot  the  king  and  court. 

The  king  leaned  heavily  against  the  rail, 
And  half  in  terror,  half  in  pleasure  stared. 

"  The  prisoner  must  now  resume  her  seat. 
The  court  hath  not  decision  made.     Proceed." 

"  I,  King,  I  quite  forgot  that  I  was  dead, 
For  this  my  flesh  is  warm  and  delicate. 
My  clothing  smells  not  of  the  musty  grave. 
Neither  am  I  an  apparition.     See 
How  I  do  walk  about  with  heavy  steps. 
Not  as  the  moaning  of  a  caverned  wind 
My  speech ;  my  lips  plainly  articulate." 

"  The  man  is  false,  or  Hades  broken  loose. 
Young  man,  explain." 

"  That  falls  upon  this  man." 

"  Then  I  command  you  to  undo  this  knot. 
How  is  he  still  alive  if  he  was  dead?  " 

"  King,  that  impostor  did  not  raise  him  up." 

"Who  did?" 

"  We  do  not  know." 

"  How  do  you  know, 
Then,  who  did  not?  " 

"  That  son  of  Satan  did  not  raise  him  up." 

"  Whom  do  you  mean  ?  " 


126  Links  of 


"  Jesus  of  Nazareth." 

Then  Judah,  pointing  to  the  man,  exclaimed, 
"  Your  Majesty,  he  cannot  answer  thee. 
Now  bear  with  me  just  a  little  while. 

There  is  no  evidence  that  can  convince 
Unreasoning  bigotry.     Seeing,  it  sees  not; 
Hearing,  hears  not;  neither  will  understand. 
And  the  denial  even  went  before 
The  assertion.     His  motive  is  revealed 
In  all  its  ghastly  hideousness.     He  would 
Destroy  the  followers  of  Jesus  Christ. 
For  this,  he  does  not  hesitate  to  use 
The  foulest  means.     Even  the  Christ  met  death 
Upon  the  cruel  cross.     And  Mary  Magdalene, 
As  he  in  his  derision  speaks  of  her, 
Saw  Jesus  risen  from  the  sepulcher, 
And  this  is  her  offense  against  this  man. 

Shall  we  regard  it  as  a  crime  in  him 
To  give  this  dying  world  a  new  found  hope, 
To  cast  a  ray  into  the  gloom  of  death? 
And  shall  we  shut  our  eyes  against  the  truth 
And  murder  all  who  seek  the  blessed  light? 

Should  we  not  rather  wreathe  that  brow  di- 

vine 

With  immortelles,  and  sing  in  hymns  of  praise 
The  glories  of  that  conqueror  who  broke 
The  bars  and  left  the  iron  gates  ajar? 
Shall  we  all  sink  into  a  hopeless  grave 
For  his  professional  jealousy  alone? 

Jesus  proclaimed  the  loving  heart  to  be 


Links  of  0olD  127 

The  living  temple  for  a  living  God. 

Who  calls  man's  justice  to  be  more  than 

God's, 
And  punish  sins  truly  repented  of? 

Beside  the  great  white  throne  Mercy  doth 

stand 

With  Justice;  her  green  olive  branch  is  laid 
Upon  the  golden  balances  of  God. 

And  now  with  thine  indulgence  I  will  speak 
A  little  of  myself.     Thou  knowest  me  well 
As  Judah  Lazarus  of  Bethany. 
In  my  profession  I  am  known  to  thee, 
And  whether  I  am  worthy  of  belief. 

After  the  parting  with  the  dearly  loved, 
The  dire  effects  of  poisoning  soon  appeared 
That  steadily  without  control  grew  worse 
Till  death  released  me  from  the  suffering. 

The  doctor  is  right  in  that  he  saw  me  die 
And  saw  the  stone  seal  up  my  sepulcher. 
My  friends  have  told  me  that  I  slept  four  days. 
I  heard  a  voice  say,  '  Lazarus,  come  forth.' 
Rising,  I  took  the  napkin  from  my  face, 
And  walked  into  the  light.     Jesus  stood  there, 
Martha  and  Mary  also,  and  the  priest  — : 
Herod  broke  in  with  eager  interest, 
"  Hold  here,  and  give  us  thine  experience." 
"  There  was  a  peace  as  of  the  deep  blue  heav- 
ens." 
"What  form  hadst  thou?  " 

"  All  spirit  forms 


128  Links  of 


Are  shapen  by  the  will.     Of  their  desires 
They  fashion  gilded  palaces  more  grand 
Than  imagination  builds  of  summer  cloud, 
And  richer  is  their  glorious  attire." 

"  And    how    do    they    converse?     In    human 
speech  ?  " 

"  By  intuition  knowledge  is  acquired^" 

"  Is  there  trouble  and  sorrow  in  that  state?  " 

"  None  that  pertains  to  this  rough  world, 
Unless  it  be  the  memory  of  it. 
Matter,  of  course,  can  have  no  influence." 

"  How  do  they  pass  the  time?  " 

"  There  is  no  time  ; 
All  is  eternity.     We  live  in  God 
And  have  the  freedom  of  His  universe." 

"  I  wish  we  knew." 

"  O  King,  there  is  an  evidence  to  all, 
And  each.     There  is  a  witness  in  ourselves, 
Spirit  assurance,  to  our  spirits  given. 
Some  future  time  I  will  declare  to  thee 
All  that  was  learned.     I  must  proceed. 

The  Pharisees  as  witnesses  were  there, 
To  see  the  wisdom  and  the  power  of  God. 

Knowing  full  well  my  presence  would   re- 

mind 

The  people  of  the  work  was  wrought  on  me, 
His  enemies  the  life  of  Jesus  sought. 
So  to  escape  their  murderous  designs, 
I  was  in  hiding  in  the  wilderness. 

One  night  I  sat  in  the  refreshing  cool 


Links  of  aolD  129 

Before  my  cave.     The  light  of  the  full  moon 

Softened  the  lines  on  rugged  crag  and  peak. 

In  the  deep  silence  came  the  thought  of  God 

And  of  the  world  —  why  He  created  it, 

And  bore  with  it,  seeing  it  was  so  full 

Of  sorrow  and  of  sin.     Then,  strange  to  say, 

As  if  it?  were  a  vision  of  my  thoughts, 

I  saw  a  beast  bearing  a  female  form 

Come  round  the  turning  of  the  narrow  path. 

What-  seemed  to  be  a  man  beside  her  walked. 

As    they   passed   near   my    sudden    hiding 

place, 
I  overheard  him  speaking  earnestly, 

*  Oh,  now,  unhappy  maiden,  lift  thy  veil, 
And  see  on  yonder  hill  that  frowning  tower. 
Think  of  the  deep  dark  dungeon  cells. 
There,  left  alone  with  thy  despairing  thoughts, 
The  unmarked  moments,  months,  and  years  will 

pass, 
A  loathsome  death  will  end  thy  misery. 

Recant,   and   I   will   turn   and    take  thee 

home. 

Thy  father  waits,  and  will  not  be  consoled. 
Sorrow,  anxiety,  and  loss  of  sleep, 
Produced  the  apparition  in  thy  mind.' 

-She  answered  not  at  all  that  I  could  hear. 

'  Impudent  Magdalene,  is  this  to  be 
Thy  gratitude  ?  '     At  the  word  Magdalene, 
I  though f  of  Magdala. 

In  my  disguise 


130 Links  of  ®olti 

I  came  to  save.     All  that  has  occurred 
Is  known  to  thee.     He  thrust  her  in  a  cell 
Without  a  trial,  thinking  to  throw  on  thee 
The  obloquy  of  his  inhuman  deeds. 
If  ever  her  imprisonment  was  known, 
Thou  and  thy  castle  would  be  blamed  for  it. 
Yet  '  Justice,  justice  '  ever  is  his  cry ; 
And  if  they  had  it,  he  would  be  in  hell. 

Why   did  he   leave  his   safe  and  pleasant 

home, 

Journey  the  hot  and  dangerous  wilderness? 
Was  it  to  ask  justice  on  this  maid? 
Or  is  it  not  plainly  revealed  to  be 
XDemoniacal  hatred  of  the  Christ?^ 
A  vain  attempt  to  cleanse  the  stain  of  blood 
With  other  blood?) 

Your  Gracious  Majesty, 
Pardon,  and  I  will  speak  more  quietly. 
My  heart  was  bitter  when  I  saw  the  wrongs 
The  innocent  had  suffered  at  his  hands. 
This,  her  accuser,  is  the  guilty  one. 
We  wait  the  king's  decree.     We  are  content." 
The  king  held  forth  the  scepter  toward  the 

scribe, 
Thus  bidding  him  to  proclamation  make. 

"  Hear  ye !     The  king  will  his  decision  give 
In  this,  the  case  of  Princess  Miriam." 

"  I,  Herod  Antipas  of  Galilee 
And  of  Perea  king,  make  this  decree: 


Links  of  <$ol&  131 

I  find  the  evidence  against  the  accused 
Is  false,  in  that  the  person  said  to  be 
Her  victim  hath  appeared  in  court  alive 
And  in  good  health  and  recognized  of  all. 
I  therefore  make  this  my  decree,  and  seal 
It  with  the  seal  of  Roman  sovereignty, 
That  Princess  Miriam  of  Magdala, 
Is  innocent  of  murder  in  that  none 
Hath  been  committed,  and  is  therefore  given 
Her  liberty. 

Caius,  detain  the  man. 

Stop  him !     He  must  intend  that  I  shall  hear 
His  bitter  mutterings.     Attention,  priest ! 

Since  you  have  shown  yourself  so  merciful, 
And  had  regard  unto  the  piteous  plea 
Of  the  weak  and  as  it  seems  the  innocent, 
And  since  your  heart  was  softened  by  her  tears, 
We  ask  that  you  would  show  her  courtesy, 
Confess  that  you  were  wrong,  and  ask  of  her 
Forgiveness  for  the  sorrow  that  you  wrought, 
And  promise  that  you  will  make  good  her  loss, 
The  costs  of  trial,  and  a  liberal  fee 
To  this  young  advocate,  and  you  may  go. 
I  will  not  charge  you  with  the  grievous  wrong 
Intended    for    my    throne.     What    say    you, 

priest?  " 

"  I  am  not  careful  how  I  answer  thee. 
To  Caesar  we  appeal." 

"  Appeal  to  him ! 


132  Links  of 


Then  must  you  call  him  from  your  dungeon  cell 
Where  you  shall  go.     You  tried  the  same  ap- 

peal 

On  Pilate.     He  was  weak.     You  are  not  now 
In  your  Jerusalem.     Her  advocate 
Was  right,  you  are  the  real  criminal. 
Yes,  call  to  Caesar  with  your  tongue  cut  out. 
Now,  gaoler,  this  my  sentence  execute." 

At  this  there  was  a  scene  that  made  the  hall 
Of  Tyrant  Herod  seem  a  court  of  heaven, 
When  Mary  Magdalene  threw  herself  down 
Upon  her  knees,  with  supplicating  hands 
Before  the  throne. 

In  the  deep  silence  rose 
The  earnest  pleading  of  a  trembling  voice. 

"  O  King,  thy  kindness  unto  us  is  great, 
In  that  thou  gavest  back  my  life.     And  now 
I  offer  it  in  sacrifice  for  this 
Mine  enemy.     And  it  is  doubly  dear 
In  our  united  love.     It  hath  withstood 
The  hardest  trials  ;  but  the  Christ  hath  shown 
That  we  shall  be  united  in  a  life 
Free  from  the  toils  and  trials  of  this  world. 
Oh,  pardon  him  !     Accept  the  sacrifice  !  " 

"  No  !     No  !     Vicarious  sacrifice  is  wrong. 
Why  should  the  innocent  assume  the  guilt? 
/Justice  requires  that  they  who  sin  shall  beaX 
n  full  the  penalty  of  their  misdeeds.  ^  ^ 
Beautiful  angel,  this  human  wolf  turned  loose 


Links  of  (froID 133 

Would  rend  and  tear  thee.     Kindness  touches 

not 

His  stony  heart.     Justice  requires  his  death." 
/*""  Love  is  a  higher  law  than  justice,  King.    >. 
Have  mercy !     Oh,  have  mercy !     This  we  plead,  ] 
As  we  would  pray  to  God.     Oh,  pardon  him,    J 
As  we  forgive." 

"  To  love  thine  enemies 
Only  thine  own  destruction  doth  invite  — " 

The  king  arose  and  leaned  across  the  bar; 
The  guards  bore  heavily  upon  their  spears ; 
Even  the  scowling  priests  in  silence  gazed ; 
Judah  as  if  she  were  an  angel  stood ; 

A   BEATIFIC   VISION   ON   HER   FACE, 

FOE  ALL  ABOUT  HER  WAS  A  HALLOWED   LIGHT. 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILE 


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